Kept

City vs city

Dallas vs Houston

$100,000 in Dallas buys a lifestyle closer to $92,000 in Houston, because Houston's cost-of-living index is 96 versus 104.

Dallas

Broad job market, no state income tax, and housing that is still cheaper than the coasts.

COL index
104
Typical 1-bed
$1,500/mo
Comfortable salary
$88,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Dallas guide

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
Full Houston guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego