Affordable Alternatives to Houston
Cities ranked by lifestyle match — walkability, job market, and cost of living — not just the cheapest price tag.
COL Index95100 = US avg
1BR Rent$1,350/mo
Walk Score49/100
State Income TaxNone
Best overall alternatives
Ranked by lifestyle match: savings potential, walkability, and economic opportunity — not just cheapest price.
Best Match
🌻 Akron
Ohio, OH
12% cheaper
vs. Houston
COL 84
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,200/mo
Monthly savings$150/mo
Walk score46/100
Median income$50K/yr
🌻 Toledo
Ohio, OH
15% cheaper
vs. Houston
COL 81
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,050/mo
Monthly savings$300/mo
Walk score42/100
Median income$46K/yr
Moving to Akron saves you $150/mo. Put it to work while you plan.
High-yield savings accounts — top rates today
Stay in Texas
Cheaper cities within Texas — same state laws, familiar surroundings.
More affordable metros
All other established metros cheaper than Houston, sorted by cost of living.
Houston at a glance
95
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,350
1BR rent
per month
$280K
Home price
median
None
State tax
income
Cities with similar cost of living
COL data: Numbeo, Zillow, BLS · Walk scores: Walk Score® · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only