Washington, DC vs Houston, TX: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Washington, DC and Houston, TX. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Washington, DC
DC
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 111.3
- Housing RPP
- 156.3
- Goods RPP
- 107.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,045/mo
DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.
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 Washington, DC by about 11.2% (RPP 111.3 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Washington, DC
-> $53,261
in Houston, TX
$100,000 in Washington, DC
-> $88,769
in Houston, TX
$150,000 in Washington, DC
-> $133,154
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 Washington, DC?
- Houston, TX (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) by about 11.2%.
- What salary do I need in Houston, TX if I earn $100,000 in Washington, DC?
- You would need approximately $88,769 in Houston, TX to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Washington, DC. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 111.3).