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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Houston is 6% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,313/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$62,894/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 16%
$253,400 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 18%
$1,316/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 5%
2,300,419
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,136/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Odessa — common questions

Is Houston or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Odessa?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Odessa?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $10,136/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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