Cost of Living: Houston vs San Francisco (2026)
Houston has a 51% lower overall cost of living than San Francisco as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,350/mo in Houston vs $3,600/mo in San Francisco — a 63% difference. Houston has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in San Francisco (9.3% rate).
- Houston is 51% cheaper overall (COL index: 95 vs 194)
- 1BR rent: $1,350/mo in Houston vs $3,600/mo — 63% savings
- Houston has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: San Francisco ($130,000/yr vs $56,000/yr)
- Median home price: $280,000 in Houston vs $1,200,000 — 77% difference
| Category | Houston Texas | San Francisco California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050Best | $2,900 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,350Best | $3,600 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700Best | $5,200 |
| Median home price | $280KBest | $1.2M |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 94Best | 118 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $22 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $90 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $90Best | $100 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10Best | $4.80 |
| Car insurance/mo | $190 | $180Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $175 | $160Best |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $70 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $56K | $130KBest |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.3%Best | 8.6% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $18.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $35Best | $75 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $9.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 95Best | 194 |
| Walk score / 100 | 49 | 87Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Houston is 51% cheaper than San Francisco based on overall cost of living indices (95 vs 194, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Houston vs San Francisco?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Houston is $1,350/month and in San Francisco is $3,600/month. Houston is cheaper by 63%.
How much do I need to earn in San Francisco to match a $75,000 salary in Houston?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $153,158/year in San Francisco to match a $75,000 salary in Houston. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Houston or San Francisco?
Houston has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 9.3%. Houston has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Houston to San Francisco?
It depends on your priorities. Houston offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
Want to add more cities or compare your own salary?
Use our interactive tool to compare up to 5 cities and see how much of your take-home goes to rent.