Phoenix vs Houston
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, state income tax, housing estimates, and salary equivalents between Phoenix, AZ and Houston, TX.
Phoenix, AZ
COL Index
103
Monthly Budget
$5,150
State Tax
2.5%
Population
1.6M
Houston, TX
COL Index
96
Monthly Budget
$4,800
State Tax
None
Population
2.3M
Phoenix is 7% more expensive than Houston
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household in each city.
| Category | Phoenix | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,724 | $1,551 | +$173 |
| Groceries | $666 | $629 | +$37 |
| Transport | $822 | $771 | +$51 |
| Healthcare | $408 | $389 | +$19 |
| Utilities | $309 | $288 | +$21 |
| Other | $1,229 | $1,162 | +$67 |
| Total | $5,150 | $4,800 | +$350 |
Tax Comparison on $100K Salary
Estimated annual taxes for a single filer earning $100,000 in each city.
| Component | Phoenix (AZ) | Houston (TX) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| State Tax | $2,500 | $0 | +$2,500 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| Total Tax | $23,320 | $20,820 | +$2,500 |
| Take-Home Pay | $76,680 | $79,180 | -$2,500 |
Salary Equivalent
What a Phoenix salary is worth in Houston (and vice versa), adjusted for cost of living.
| Phoenix Salary | Equivalent in Houston | Houston Salary | Equivalent in Phoenix |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,602 | $50,000 | $53,646 |
| $75,000 | $69,903 | $75,000 | $80,469 |
| $100,000 | $93,204 | $100,000 | $107,292 |
| $150,000 | $139,806 | $150,000 | $160,938 |