Is Houston, TX cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 43.9% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $3292 per month.

What salary do I need in Houston, TX to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $110,494.186 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Houston, TX?

Housing in Houston, TX is 70.9% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Houston, TX?

Moving from Seattle, WA to Houston, TX could save you approximately $3292 per month, or $39506 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.5K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 43.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,292

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.5K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$245K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Houston, TX

Category	Seattle, WA	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $5,346less	70.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $449less	23.7%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$562/mo	↓ $262less	31.8%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $208less	10.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$911/mo	↓ $168less	15.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$552/mo	↑ $71.58more	14.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 70.9%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$5,346

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.7%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$449

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 31.8%

Seattle, WA

$824

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$262

less

📦Other

↓ 10.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$208

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$168

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.9%

Seattle, WA

$481

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$71.58

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,220

↓ $960

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,260

↓ $1,000

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,500

↓ $1,130

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,020

↓ $1,420

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$6,361

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Houston

$808K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 70% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle 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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.