Moving from Austin to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Houston to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,148 |
| $50K | $38,934 |
| $60K | $46,721 |
| $75K | $58,402 |
| $80K | $62,295 |
| $100K | $77,869 |
| $120K | $93,443 |
| $150K | $116,803 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Houston
| Expense | Austin | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $372 | $357 |
| Transport | $50 | $90 |
| Utilities | $170 | $175 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,704 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $420 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Austin — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Houston saves roughly $450/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,400/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $58,402/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only