Austin, TX vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Austin, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 126.4
- Goods RPP
- 93.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,924/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Houston, TX
TX
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 98.8
- Housing RPP
- 108
- Goods RPP
- 97.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,357/mo
Texas has no state income tax. Property taxes ~2% effective rate.
Equivalent salary
Houston, TX is more expensive than Austin, TX by about 0.0% (RPP 98.8 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Austin, TX
-> $60,000
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in Austin, TX
-> $100,000
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in Austin, TX
-> $150,000
in Houston, TX
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Houston, TX cheaper or more expensive than Austin, TX?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is more expensive than Austin, TX (RPP 98.8) by about 0.0%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in Austin, TX?
- You would need approximately $100,000 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Austin, TX. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 98.8).