Cost of Living: Houston vs Phoenix (2026)

Houston vs Phoenix cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Phoenix is about 5% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $104,752 in Phoenix.

Phoenix is about 5% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $104,752 in Phoenix.

Houston vs Phoenix: the numbers

MetricHoustonPhoenixDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)99103+5%
Median rent$1,313$1,458+11%
Median home value$253,400$381,900+51%
Median household income$62,894$77,041+22%

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 $104,752 in Phoenix. Going the other way, $100,000 in Phoenix is like $95,463 in Houston.

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

Compare any salary: Houston vs Phoenix

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 103 vs 99 — a 5% difference. Your money goes further in Houston.

About $104,752 — that's what you'd need in Phoenix to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.