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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Houston, TX

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

6.8% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
22.0% 22.0% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.0% cheaper
Austin
118
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 2.1% cheaper
Austin
96
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% cheaper
Austin
97
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 7.1% more
Austin
99
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index103966.8% less
Housing1189222.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,20017.2% less
Median Home Price$425,000$295,00030.6% less
Groceries96942.1% less
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare97952.1% less
Utilities991067.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Houston, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Houston costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Houston to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Houston70°F
Population
Austin979,882
Houston2,304,580

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Houston → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Houston →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Houston?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Houston?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Houston?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $130,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Texas averages 1.60%.