Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Corpus Christi, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Corpus Christi

Texas
78

Houston is 13% more expensive than Corpus Christi.

$1,313/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,230/mo ↓ 6%
$62,894/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$66,325/yr ↑ 5%
$253,400 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$197,100 ↓ 22%
$1,316/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,225/mo ↓ 7%
2,300,419
Population
317,383

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Corpus Christi, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Corpus Christi, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $3,431/year higher in Corpus Christi. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $197,100 in Corpus Christi.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Corpus Christi — common questions

Is Houston or Corpus Christi cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Corpus Christi is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Corpus Christi?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Corpus Christi it's $1,230/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Corpus Christi?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $66,325 in Corpus Christi. Median household income is $3,431/year higher in Corpus Christi.
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 Corpus Christi?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Corpus Christi has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,230/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Houston details → View Corpus Christi details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Corpus Christi

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Corpus Christi vs. Stockton Corpus Christi vs. Riverside Corpus Christi vs. Lexington Corpus Christi vs. Orlando Corpus Christi vs. Henderson Corpus Christi vs. Santa Ana