Is Houston, TX cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 51.0% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $3826 per month.

What salary do I need in Houston, TX to live like I do in San Francisco, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $104,086.294 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Francisco, CA and Houston, TX?

Housing in Houston, TX is 77.6% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX?

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX could save you approximately $3826 per month, or $45914 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Francisco, CA

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.8K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $104.1K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 51.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,826

Savings

Annual Impact

$45.9K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:49

Median Home:$245K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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: San Francisco, CA vs Houston, TX

Category	San Francisco, CA	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $7,580less	77.6%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $709less	32.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$911/mo	↓ $248less	21.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$562/mo	↓ $144less	20.4%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $107less	5.7%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$552/mo	↑ $104more	23.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 77.6%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$7,580

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.8%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$709

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 21.4%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$248

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.4%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$144

less

📦Other

↓ 5.7%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$107

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.3%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$104

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$1,220

↓ $1,240

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,260

↓ $1,690

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,500

↓ $2,070

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$2,020

↓ $2,540

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$8,684

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Houston

$1.25M

Median Value

$245K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 80% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco Calculate payment - Houston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

San Francisco, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.