Seattle vs Houston

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Houston is roughly 49% more affordable than Seattle (index 73 vs 144, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Houston
More affordable overall
49% cheaper than Seattle · Cost index: 73 vs 144

Head-to-Head Stats

SeattlevsHouston
144Cost Index73✓
6,429✓Median Income /mo5,094
40✓Safety Index19
0Income Tax %0
150✓Internet (Mbps)145
350Coworking /mo250✓

Price Breakdown

SeattleCategoryHouston
$2,365/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
43% ← cheaper
$1,350/month
$4.84/liter
Meal for One
70% ← cheaper
$1.45/liter
$18/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% ← cheaper
$12/meal
$99/month
Monthly Transit Pass
39% ← cheaper
$60/month
$208/month
Utilities (Monthly)
4% ← cheaper
$200/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
19% cheaper →
$148/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Seattle

Internet150 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 Seattle cheaper than Houston?

Houston is cheaper than Seattle. Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100 compared to 144/100 for Seattle, making it roughly 49% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Houston than Seattle?

Houston is approximately 49% cheaper than Seattle based on cost index scores (73 vs 144, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Seattle could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,521/month in Houston.

What is the rent comparison between Seattle and Houston?

In Seattle, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $2,365/month. In Houston, the equivalent is around $1,350/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Seattle offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$350/month. Houston offers 145 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Houston has a cost advantage of 49%.

What is the average income in Seattle vs Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Seattle is approximately $6,429 USD, compared to $5,094 USD in Houston.

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