Houston vs Boston
Cost of Living (2026)

Houston is 78% less expensive than Boston. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Massachusetts's 5%.

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At a glance

Houston, TX

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

Boston, MA

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryHouston indexBoston indexDifference
Housing118 ✓214+96%
Groceries87 ✓152+65%
Transportation88 ✓151+63%
Healthcare88 ✓156+68%
Utilities89 ✓144+55%

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

Salary equivalency: Houston → Boston

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

Salary in HoustonEquivalent in BostonDifference
$60,000$115,000+$55,000
$80,000$153,000+$73,000
$100,000$192,000+$92,000
$130,000$249,000+$119,000
$150,000$287,000+$137,000
$200,000$383,000+$183,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Houston, TX and Boston, MA, Houston comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 91 versus 162 for Boston — a difference of approximately 78%.

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

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