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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Houston is 11% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,313/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 9%
$62,894/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 4%
$253,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 15%
$1,316/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 11%
2,300,419
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $2,633/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Tyler — common questions

Is Houston or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Tyler?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Tyler?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $2,633/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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