Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Houston is 3% cheaper than College Station.

$1,313/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 11%
$62,894/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 18%
$253,400 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 29%
$1,316/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 5%
2,300,419
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $11,118/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs College Station — common questions

Is Houston or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and College Station?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or College Station?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $11,118/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Houston details → View College Station details →

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