Is Houston, TX cheaper than Miami, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 21.5% cheaper than Miami, FL. This translates to saving $1616 per month.

What salary do I need in Houston, TX to live like I do in Miami, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Miami, FL, you'd need approximately $130,609.756 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Miami, FL and Houston, TX?

Housing in Houston, TX is 40.6% cheaper than in Miami, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $2,660/month in Miami, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Miami, FL to Houston, TX?

Moving from Miami, FL to Houston, TX could save you approximately $1616 per month, or $19390 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Miami, FL

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Miami, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.6K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 21.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,616

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Miami, FL

Population:442K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$510K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:78

Median Home:$245K

Miami, FL

The Sunshine State

442K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Tropical

Notable Facts

•Gateway to Latin America
•Major cruise port
•International business hub

Major Industries

International TradeTourismFinanceReal Estate

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Miami, FL vs Houston, TX

Category	Miami, FL	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,690/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $1,499less	40.6%
📦Other	$2,093/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $325less	15.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$911/mo	↓ $168less	15.6%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$552/mo	↑ $33.33more	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$562/mo	↓ $26.64less	4.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $12.29less	0.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 40.6%

Miami, FL

$3,690

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$1,499

less

📦Other

↓ 15.5%

Miami, FL

$2,093

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$325

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.6%

Miami, FL

$1,079

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$168

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.4%

Miami, FL

$519

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$33.33

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.5%

Miami, FL

$589

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$26.64

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.8%

Miami, FL

$1,462

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$12.29

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,995

To$1,220

↓ $775

1 Bed

From$2,180

To$1,260

↓ $920

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,500

↓ $1,160

3 Bed

From$3,415

To$2,020

↓ $1,395

Miami, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,550–$2,990/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,431

Monthly in Miami, FL

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$1,998

Difference

Home Values

Miami

Houston

$510K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +49.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$278K - $1.53M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 52% less expensive than Miami

Calculate payment - Miami Calculate payment - Houston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Miami, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Miami, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.