Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Boston, MA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Houston is 50% cheaper than Boston.

$1,313/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 59%
$62,894/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 51%
$253,400 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 180%
$1,316/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 65%
2,300,419
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $31,861/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Boston — common questions

Is Houston or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Boston?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Boston?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $31,861/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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