Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Houston is 11% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,313/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 15%
$62,894/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 18%
$253,400 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 12%
$1,316/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 3%
2,300,419
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $11,555/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Springfield — common questions

Is Houston or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Springfield?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Springfield?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $11,555/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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