City vs city
Austin vs Houston
$100,000 in Austin buys a lifestyle closer to $81,000 in Houston, because Houston's cost-of-living index is 96 versus 119.
Austin
No state income tax. Rents fell from the 2022 peak but remain above most Texas metros.
- COL index
- 119
- Typical 1-bed
- $1,650/mo
- Comfortable salary
- $101,000
- $100k take-home
- $79,180
Houston
Energy, healthcare, and no state income tax. Insurance and flooding risk are the hidden costs.
- COL index
- 96
- Typical 1-bed
- $1,350/mo
- Comfortable salary
- $82,000
- $100k take-home
- $79,180
More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego