Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Reno, NV (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Houston is 34% cheaper than Reno.

$1,313/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 11%
$62,894/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 25%
$253,400 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 97%
$1,316/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 13%
2,300,419
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.85%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $15,554/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Reno — common questions

Is Houston or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Reno?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Reno?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $15,554/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Nevada?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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