San Francisco vs Houston
Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 18% more affordable than San Francisco (index 73 vs 89, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.
Head-to-Head Stats
Price Breakdown
Digital Nomad Profile
San Francisco
Houston
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco cheaper than Houston?
Houston is cheaper than San Francisco. Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 89/100 for San Francisco, making it roughly 18% more affordable overall.
How much cheaper is Houston than San Francisco?
Houston is approximately 18% cheaper than San Francisco based on cost index scores (73 vs 89, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Francisco could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,461/month in Houston.
What is the rent comparison between San Francisco and Houston?
In San Francisco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,024/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,350/month.
Which city is better for digital nomads — San Francisco or Houston?
Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Francisco offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$450/month. Houston offers 145 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 18%.
What is the average income in San Francisco vs Houston?
The median net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $8,160 USD, compared to $5,094 USD in Houston.
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