Austin vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 25% more affordable than Austin (index 73 vs 97, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
25% cheaper than Austin · Cost index: 73 vs 97

Head-to-Head Stats

AustinvsHouston
97Cost Index73✓
5,000Median Income /mo5,094✓
35✓Safety Index19
0Income Tax %0
940✓Internet (Mbps)145
350Coworking /mo250✓

Price Breakdown

AustinCategoryHouston
$1,750/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
23% ← cheaper
$1,350/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
24% cheaper →
$1.45/liter
$14/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
14% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$37/month
Monthly Transit Pass
38% cheaper →
$60/month
$170/month
Utilities (Monthly)
15% cheaper →
$200/month
$85/visit
Doctor Visit
43% cheaper →
$148/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Austin

Internet940 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability72/100

Houston

Internet145 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Austin. Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 97/100 for Austin, making it roughly 25% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Austin?

Houston is approximately 25% cheaper than Austin based on cost index scores (73 vs 97, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Austin could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,258/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Austin and Houston?

In Austin, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,750/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,350/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Austin or Houston?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Austin offers 940 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Houston offers 145 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 25%.

What is the average income in Austin vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Austin is approximately $5,000 USD, compared to $5,094 USD in Houston.

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