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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

22.6% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
41.0% 41.0% cheaper housing
13.0% 13.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 41.0% cheaper
Seattle
156
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 13.0% cheaper
Seattle
108
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation 15.3% cheaper
Seattle
118
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 13.6% cheaper
Seattle
110
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 16.5% more
Seattle
91
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1249622.6% less
Housing1569241.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,20041.5% less
Median Home Price$780,000$295,00062.2% less
Groceries1089413.0% less
Transportation11810015.3% less
Healthcare1109513.6% less
Utilities9110616.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Houston, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.50%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Houston70°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Houston2,304,580

Moving from Seattle to Houston?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle 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 41.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $850 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Houston?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Houston?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Houston?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $485,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Texas averages 1.60%.