Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Miami, FL (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Miami

Florida
129

Houston is 32% cheaper than Miami.

$1,313/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,657/mo ↑ 26%
$62,894/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$59,390/yr ↓ 6%
$253,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$475,200 ↑ 88%
$1,316/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,666/mo ↑ 27%
2,300,419
Population
446,663

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Miami, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 129 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $344/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $4,128/year.

Median household income is $3,504/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $475,200 in Miami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Miami — common questions

Is Houston or Miami cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Miami?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Miami it's $1,657/month — a difference of $344/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Miami?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $59,390 in Miami. Median household income is $3,504/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Miami?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Miami has a cost index of 129 with rent of $1,657/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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