salaryHouston is 3% 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
$1,789
$1,533
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,484
$1,499
💵 Families earn per year
$76,564
$69,901
🔑 Buying a house
$374,800
$277,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
102.2
98.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,723
$4,198
⚡ Electric bill per month
$202
$157
👥 People living there
545,970
2,328,253
Commute to work
22.4 min
27.2 min
College degree
25.5%
36.6%
Own their home
50.1%
42.1%
Below poverty line
20.1%
19.9%
Unemployment
8.9%
6.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Fresno for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes, shorter commutes.
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper homes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Fresno | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $34,320 | $22,080 | -36% in Houston |
| Police Officer | $100,770 | $74,570 | -26% in Houston |
| Firefighter | $79,160 | $59,120 | -25% in Houston |
| Carpenter | $63,470 | $49,670 | -22% in Houston |
| Registered Nurse | $125,420 | $99,830 | -20% in Houston |
| Nurse Practitioner | $166,570 | $134,560 | -19% in Houston |
| Operations Manager | $101,010 | $119,600 | +18% in Houston |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,800 | $64,500 | -18% in Houston |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fresno or Houston cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $1,789 in Fresno.
What salary do I need in Houston to match $60,000 in Fresno?
About $57,927 a year gives the same standard of living in Houston.
Where do people earn more, Fresno or Houston?
The typical household earns $76,564 in Fresno and $69,901 in Houston, 10% more in Fresno.