Phoenix, AZ vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Phoenix, AZ and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Phoenix, AZ
AZ
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 103.7
- Housing RPP
- 122.9
- Goods RPP
- 98.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,877/mo
Arizona income tax 2.5% flat rate (since 2023). 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 Phoenix, AZ by about 4.7% (RPP 103.7 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Phoenix, AZ
-> $57,165
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in Phoenix, AZ
-> $95,275
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in Phoenix, AZ
-> $142,912
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 Phoenix, AZ?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Phoenix, AZ (RPP 103.7) by about 4.7%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ?
- You would need approximately $95,275 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Phoenix, AZ. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 103.7).