New York, NY vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between New York, NY and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
New York, NY
NY
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113
- Housing RPP
- 154.2
- Goods RPP
- 107.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,752/mo
NY state income tax 4%-10.9% + NYC city tax up to 3.876% for city residents.
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 New York, NY by about 12.6% (RPP 113 to 98.8).
$60,000 in New York, NY
-> $52,460
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in New York, NY
-> $87,434
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in New York, NY
-> $131,150
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 New York, NY?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than New York, NY (RPP 113) by about 12.6%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in New York, NY?
- You would need approximately $87,434 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York, NY. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 113).