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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Houston is 31% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,313/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 24%
$62,894/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,264/yr ≈ Same
$253,400 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 28%
$1,316/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 19%
2,300,419
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $370/year higher in Laredo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Laredo — common questions

Is Houston or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Laredo?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Laredo?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $370/year higher in Laredo.
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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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