Cost of Living: Houston vs Seattle (2026)

Houston vs Seattle cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Seattle is about 13% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $112,678 in Seattle.

Seattle is about 13% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $112,678 in Seattle.

Houston vs Seattle: the numbers

MetricHoustonSeattleDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)99111+13%
Median rent$1,313$1,998+52%
Median home value$253,400$912,100+260%
Median household income$62,894$121,984+94%

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 $112,678 in Seattle. Going the other way, $100,000 in Seattle is like $88,749 in Houston.

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

Compare any salary: Houston vs Seattle

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 111 vs 99 — a 13% difference. Your money goes further in Houston.

About $112,678 — that's what you'd need in Seattle to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.