Boston vs Houston
Cost of Living (2026)

Houston is 44% more affordable than Boston. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Massachusetts's 5%.

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At a glance

Boston, MA

COL index162
State income tax5%
Avg 1BR rent$2,900/mo
Median home price$720K
VS

Houston, TX

COL index91 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,250/mo ✓
Median home price$290K ✓

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryBoston indexHouston indexDifference
Housing214118 ✓-96%
Groceries15287 ✓-65%
Transportation15188 ✓-63%
Healthcare15688 ✓-68%
Utilities14489 ✓-55%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Boston → Houston

What salary in Houston gives you the same purchasing power as your Boston salary?

Salary in BostonEquivalent in HoustonDifference
$60,000$31,000$-29,000
$80,000$42,000$-38,000
$100,000$52,000$-48,000
$130,000$68,000$-62,000
$150,000$78,000$-72,000
$200,000$104,000$-96,000

Boston vs Houston: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Boston, MA and Houston, TX, Houston comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 91 versus 162 for Boston — a difference of approximately 44%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston workers an immediate 5% take-home pay advantage over Boston workers who pay Massachusetts's 5% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Boston is $720,000, compared to $290,000 in Houston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $2,900/month in Boston versus $1,250/month in Houston.

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