Houston vs Miami
Cost of Living (2026)

Houston is 35% less expensive than Miami.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Houston, TX

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

Miami, FL

COL index123
State income taxNone
Avg 1BR rent$2,300/mo
Median home price$600K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryHouston indexMiami indexDifference
Housing118 ✓161+43%
Groceries87 ✓116+29%
Transportation88 ✓116+28%
Healthcare88 ✓119+31%
Utilities89 ✓114+25%

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

Salary equivalency: Houston → Miami

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

Salary in HoustonEquivalent in MiamiDifference
$60,000$81,000+$21,000
$80,000$108,000+$28,000
$100,000$135,000+$35,000
$130,000$176,000+$46,000
$150,000$203,000+$53,000
$200,000$270,000+$70,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Houston, TX and Miami, FL, Houston comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 91 versus 123 for Miami — a difference of approximately 35%.

State income tax impact

Both Texas and Florida have no state income tax, so that factor is neutral in this comparison.

Housing costs

The median home price in Houston is $290,000, compared to $600,000 in Miami. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,250/month in Houston versus $2,300/month in Miami.

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