salaryHouston is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Houston to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,533
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,499
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$69,901
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$277,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
98.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$4,198
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$157
👥 People living there
666,442
2,328,253
Commute to work
30.3 min
27.2 min
College degree
54.9%
36.6%
Own their home
35.7%
42.1%
Below poverty line
16.6%
19.9%
Unemployment
6.1%
6.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $22,080 | -44% in Houston |
| Plumber | $96,760 | $61,300 | -37% in Houston |
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $64,500 | -34% in Houston |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $67,370 | -34% in Houston |
| Carpenter | $75,210 | $49,670 | -34% in Houston |
| Electrician | $79,910 | $59,180 | -26% in Houston |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $58,940 | -25% in Houston |
| Restaurant Cook | $45,830 | $35,050 | -24% in Houston |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Houston cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Houston to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $54,659 a year gives the same standard of living in Houston.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Houston?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $69,901 in Houston, 50% more in Boston.