Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Irving, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Irving

Texas
102

Houston is 14% cheaper than Irving.

$1,313/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,517/mo ↑ 16%
$62,894/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$79,641/yr ↑ 27%
$253,400 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$287,300 ↑ 13%
$1,316/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 16%
2,300,419
Population
255,036

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Irving, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $16,747/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $287,300 in Irving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Irving — common questions

Is Houston or Irving cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Irving?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Irving it's $1,517/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Irving?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $79,641 in Irving. Median household income is $16,747/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Irving has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,517/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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