Austin vs Houston
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Austin, TX and Houston, TX.
Austin, TX
COL Index
112
Monthly Budget
$5,600
State Tax
None
Population
1.0M
Houston, TX
COL Index
96
Monthly Budget
$4,800
State Tax
None
Population
2.3M
Austin is 17% more expensive than Houston
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Austin | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,947 | $1,551 | +$396 |
| Groceries | $712 | $629 | +$83 |
| Transport | $886 | $771 | +$115 |
| Healthcare | $434 | $389 | +$45 |
| Utilities | $336 | $288 | +$48 |
| Other | $1,315 | $1,162 | +$153 |
| Total | $5,600 | $4,800 | +$800 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Austin (TX) | Houston (TX) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $20,820 | $20,820 | $0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $79,180 | $79,180 | $0 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Austin salary is worth in Houston (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Austin Salary | Equivalent in Houston | Houston Salary | Equivalent in Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,857 | $50,000 | $58,333 |
| $75,000 | $64,286 | $75,000 | $87,500 |
| $100,000 | $85,714 | $100,000 | $116,667 |
| $150,000 | $128,571 | $150,000 | $175,000 |