Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Houston is 26% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,313/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 30%
$62,894/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 10%
$253,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 46%
$1,316/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 27%
2,300,419
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $6,367/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Houston or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $6,367/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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