Is Houston, TX cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 42.6% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3192 per month.

What salary do I need in Houston, TX to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $111,696.429 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Houston, TX?

Housing in Houston, TX is 71.4% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Houston, TX?

Moving from New York, NY to Houston, TX could save you approximately $3192 per month, or $38304 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

Tap to swap

Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $111.7K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,192

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.3K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:57

Median Home:$245K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Houston, TX

Category	New York, NY	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $5,457less	71.4%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $266less	13.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$911/mo	↓ $254less	21.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $153less	9.5%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$562/mo	↓ $126less	18.3%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$552/mo	↓ $47.54less	7.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 71.4%

New York, NY

$7,648

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$5,457

less

📦Other

↓ 13.1%

New York, NY

$2,034

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$266

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 21.8%

New York, NY

$1,165

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$254

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.5%

New York, NY

$1,602

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$153

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.3%

New York, NY

$688

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$126

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.9%

New York, NY

$600

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$47.54

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Houston, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$1,220

↓ $1,900

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,260

↓ $2,010

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,500

↓ $2,090

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$2,020

↓ $2,480

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$6,304

Difference

Home Values

New York

Houston

$1.05M

Median Value

$245K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 77% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Houston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$795

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.4%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.