Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Houston, TX (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Houston

Texas
88

New York is 78% more expensive than Houston.

$1,779/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,313/mo ↓ 26%
$79,713/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$62,894/yr ↓ 21%
$751,700 ↑ 197%
Home Value
$253,400 ↓ 66%
$1,837/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,316/mo ↓ 28%
8,516,202
Population
2,300,419

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Houston, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $16,819/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $253,400 in Houston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Houston — common questions

Is New York or Houston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Houston?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Houston it's $1,313/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Houston?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $62,894 in Houston. Median household income is $16,819/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Houston?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Houston has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,313/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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