Is Houston, TX cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 36.5% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2738 per month.

What salary do I need in Houston, TX to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $117,138.158 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Houston, TX?

Housing in Houston, TX is 64.7% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, DC to Houston, TX?

Moving from Washington, DC to Houston, TX could save you approximately $2738 per month, or $32862 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.1K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,738

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.9K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:63

Median Home:$245K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Houston, TX

Category	Washington, DC	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $4,020less	64.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,449/mo	↓ $436less	23.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$911/mo	↓ $168less	15.6%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$562/mo	↓ $70.01less	11.1%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $56.92less	3.1%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$552/mo	↑ $44.26more	8.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 64.7%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$4,020

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.1%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$436

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.6%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$168

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.1%

Washington, DC

$632

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$70.01

less

📦Other

↓ 3.1%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$56.92

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.7%

Washington, DC

$508

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$44.26

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,220

↓ $930

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,260

↓ $955

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,500

↓ $970

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,020

↓ $1,095

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$4,707

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Houston

$556K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 56% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Houston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $11.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$929

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.