Is Houston, TX cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 52.0% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $3899 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $103,208.955 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 77.3% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Houston, TX could save you approximately $3899 per month, or $46791 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Jose, CA

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.9K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $103.2K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 52.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,899

Savings

Annual Impact

$46.8K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:48

Median Home:$245K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M residents.

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 Jose, CA vs Houston, TX

Category	San Jose, CA	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $7,477less	77.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$911/mo	↓ $218less	19.3%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$562/mo	↓ $144less	20.4%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$552/mo	↑ $87.97more	18.9%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $56.92less	3.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,449/mo	↑ $42.35more	3.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 77.3%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$7,477

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 19.3%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$218

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.4%

San Jose, CA

$706

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$144

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 18.9%

San Jose, CA

$464

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$87.97

📦Other

↓ 3.1%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$56.92

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.0%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$42.35

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$1,220

↓ $1,370

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,260

↓ $1,690

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$1,500

↓ $1,945

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$2,020

↓ $2,530

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,765

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Houston

$1.35M

Median Value

$245K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 82% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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 Jose, 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 Jose, 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.