Home › Compare › Houston, TX vs Washington, DC

Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Washington, DC

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

35.4% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
76.1% 76.1% more expensive housing
14.9% 14.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 76.1% more
Houston
92
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 14.9% more
Houston
94
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 22.0% more
Houston
100
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 15.8% more
Houston
95
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Houston
106
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index9613035.4% more
Housing9216276.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$2,20083.3% more
Median Home Price$295,000$620,000110.2% more
Groceries9410814.9% more
Transportation10012222.0% more
Healthcare9511015.8% more
Utilities106105~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, TX Washington, DC
State Income TaxNone (0%)10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Washington57°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Washington689,545

Moving from Houston to Washington?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Houston vs Austin → Houston vs Denver → Houston vs Nashville → Washington vs Raleigh → Washington vs Portland → Washington vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 76.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $1,000 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston or Washington?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Houston to Washington?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Houston vs Washington?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $325,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.