Cost of Living: Houston vs New York (2026)

Houston vs New York cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. New York is about 14% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $114,128 in New York.

New York is about 14% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $114,128 in New York.

Houston vs New York: the numbers

MetricHoustonNew YorkDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)99113+14%
Median rent$1,313$1,779+35%
Median home value$253,400$751,700+197%
Median household income$62,894$79,713+27%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Houston has the same buying power as about $114,128 in New York. Going the other way, $100,000 in New York is like $87,621 in Houston.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Houston and New York.

Compare any salary: Houston vs New York

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

New York is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 113 vs 99 — a 14% difference. Your money goes further in Houston.

About $114,128 — that's what you'd need in New York to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.