Cost of Living in Houston, TX
Houston's cost of living index is 96 — 4% less expensive than the national average. Texas has no state income tax and a statewide COL index of 93.
COL Index
96
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$4,800
vs $5,000 national
Population
2.3M
Metro area
State Tax
None
Texas
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Houston vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $1,551 | -$99 |
| Groceries | $650 | $629 | -$21 |
| Transportation | $800 | $771 | -$29 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $389 | -$11 |
| Utilities | $300 | $288 | -$12 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,162 | -$38 |
| Total | $5,000 | $4,800 | -$200 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Houston, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$48,000
$75,000 nationally
$72,000
$100,000 nationally
$96,000
$150,000 nationally
$144,000