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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Houston is 63% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,313/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 109%
$62,894/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 101%
$253,400 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 311%
$1,316/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 100%
2,300,419
Population
117,794

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,429/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $17,148/year.

Median household income is $63,575/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Houston or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Cambridge?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,429/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Cambridge?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $63,575/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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