salaryHouston is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,533
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$109
👥 People living there
2,328,253
754,195
Commute to work
27.2 min
26 min
College degree
36.6%
68.4%
Own their home
42.1%
43.7%
Below poverty line
19.9%
9.9%
Unemployment
6.9%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Houston | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $57,280 | +159% in Seattle |
| Electrician | $59,180 | $101,780 | +72% in Seattle |
| Firefighter | $59,120 | $101,090 | +71% in Seattle |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,500 | $102,920 | +60% in Seattle |
| Plumber | $61,300 | $95,230 | +55% in Seattle |
| Police Officer | $74,570 | $115,120 | +54% in Seattle |
| Carpenter | $49,670 | $76,410 | +54% in Seattle |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,370 | $102,170 | +52% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $67,607 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Houston or Seattle?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $133,583 in Seattle, 48% more in Seattle.