Edinburgh vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 23% more affordable than Edinburgh (index 32 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
23% cheaper than Edinburgh · Cost index: 32 vs 42

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

42Cost Index32✓
2,650Median Income /mo3,850✓
78✓Safety Index42
29Income Tax %0✓
67Internet (Mbps)315✓
200✓Coworking /mo274

Price Breakdown

EdinburghCategoryHouston
$1,545/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
21% ← cheaper
$1,225/month
$1.35/liter
Meal for One
15% ← cheaper
$1.15/liter
$23/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
39% ← cheaper
$14/meal
$90/month
Monthly Transit Pass
22% ← cheaper
$70/month
$330/month
Utilities (Monthly)
45% ← cheaper
$180/month
$0/visit
Doctor Visit
$120/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Edinburgh

Internet67 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability72/100

Houston

Internet315 Mbps
Coworking$274/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitysmall
Walkability42/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edinburgh cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Edinburgh. Houston has a cost of living index of 32/100 compared to 42/100 for Edinburgh (New York = 100), making it roughly 23% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Edinburgh?

Houston is approximately 23% cheaper than Edinburgh based on cost index scores (32 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Edinburgh could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,320/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Edinburgh and Houston?

In Edinburgh, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,545/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,225/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Edinburgh offers 67 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$200/month. Houston offers 315 Mbps and coworking at ~$274/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 23%.

What is the average income in Edinburgh vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Edinburgh is approximately $2,650 USD, compared to $3,850 USD in Houston.

Compare Edinburgh with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Edinburgh wins or loses.

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