Austin vs Houston
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $59,289 in Houston.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Austin feels like $59,289 in Houston. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 15%.
Austin
Houston
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Austin and Houston each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Austin vs Houston — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Houston?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,323/mo in Houston. Houston has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Houston to match Austin?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $59,289 in Houston — a reduction of about 15% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Austin and Houston?
Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Houston is in TX (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.