San Francisco, CA vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 117.9
- Housing RPP
- 206.4
- Goods RPP
- 114.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,359/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). 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 San Francisco, CA by about 16.2% (RPP 117.9 to 98.8).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $50,280
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $83,800
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $125,700
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 San Francisco, CA?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 16.2%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $83,800 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 117.9).