Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Houston is 69% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,313/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 33%
$62,894/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 24%
$253,400 ↑ 137%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 58%
$1,316/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 35%
2,300,419
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $15,362/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Toledo — common questions

Is Houston or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Toledo?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Toledo?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $15,362/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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