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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Houston is 17% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,313/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 13%
$62,894/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 7%
$253,400 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 23%
$1,316/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 11%
2,300,419
Population
156,144

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $4,555/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Killeen — common questions

Is Houston or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Killeen?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Killeen?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $4,555/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 Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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