San Jose, CA vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Jose, CA and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
San Jose, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 115.3
- Housing RPP
- 233.3
- Goods RPP
- 108.9
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,132/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. 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 Jose, CA by about 14.3% (RPP 115.3 to 98.8).
$60,000 in San Jose, CA
-> $51,414
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in San Jose, CA
-> $85,690
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in San Jose, CA
-> $128,534
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 Jose, CA?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than San Jose, CA (RPP 115.3) by about 14.3%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in San Jose, CA?
- You would need approximately $85,690 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Jose, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 115.3).