Cost of Living: Houston vs San Jose (2026)

Houston vs San Jose cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Jose is about 12% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $111,958 in San Jose.

San Jose is about 12% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $111,958 in San Jose.

Houston vs San Jose: the numbers

MetricHoustonSan JoseDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)99110+12%
Median rent$1,313$2,617+99%
Median home value$253,400$1,187,800+369%
Median household income$62,894$141,565+125%

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 $111,958 in San Jose. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Jose is like $89,319 in Houston.

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

Compare any salary: Houston vs San Jose

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 110 vs 99 — a 12% difference. Your money goes further in Houston.

About $111,958 — that's what you'd need in San Jose to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.