🇺🇸 Austin vs 🇺🇸 Houston
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Austin
United States
$2,523–$3,995/mo
$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Houston
United States
$2,154–$3,410/mo
$2,154 – $3,410 / month (local)
Austin is 17% more expensive
Houston wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Austin (USD) | Houston (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,892–$2,944 | $1,615–$2,513 | 🟢 Houston |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $999–$1,577 | $853–$1,346 | 🟢 Houston |
| Utilities | $79–$152 | $67–$130 | 🟢 Houston |
| Groceries | $399–$599 | $341–$512 | 🟢 Houston |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $53–$95 | $45–$81 | 🟢 Houston |
| Public transport (monthly) | $100–$121 | $85–$103 | 🟢 Houston |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$53 | $27–$45 | 🟢 Houston |
| Gym membership | $37–$68 | $31–$58 | 🟢 Houston |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $13–$16 | 🟢 Houston |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,523–$3,995 | $2,154–$3,410 | 🟢 Houston |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing4.8 / 10 · 5.1 / 10
Austin
Houston▲ better
Safety9.1 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Austin▲ better
Houston
Healthcare9.1 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Austin▲ better
Houston
Education8.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Austin▲ better
Houston
Environment9.5 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Austin▲ better
Houston
Economy7.8 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
Houston
Culture8.4 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Austin▲ better
Houston
Internet8.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Austin▲ better
Houston
Who should choose which city?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Austin offers vs Houston
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Music scene
- ✓Startups
- ✓Tech transplants
Choose Houston if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Austin
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Energy jobs
- ✓Energy sector
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📊
Full Austin guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Austin →📊
Full Houston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Houston →