Boston, MA vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Boston, MA
MA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 112
- Housing RPP
- 150.3
- Goods RPP
- 110.1
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,827/mo
Massachusetts flat income tax 5.0%. No city income tax.
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 cheaper than Boston, MA by about 11.8% (RPP 112 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Boston, MA
-> $52,929
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in Boston, MA
-> $88,214
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in Boston, MA
-> $132,321
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 Boston, MA?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 11.8%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?
- You would need approximately $88,214 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 112).