Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Houston and Hampton have a similar cost of living.

$1,313/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 3%
$62,894/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 8%
$253,400 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 8%
$1,316/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 2%
2,300,419
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,864/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Hampton — common questions

Is Houston or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Hampton?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Hampton?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $4,864/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Houston details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Hampton

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Hampton vs. West Valley City Hampton vs. Cedar Rapids Hampton vs. Columbia Hampton vs. Dayton Hampton vs. Warren Hampton vs. Pasadena