Cost of Living: Houston vs Washington (2026)

Houston vs Washington cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Washington is about 10% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $110,398 in Washington.

Washington is about 10% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $110,398 in Washington.

Houston vs Washington: the numbers

MetricHoustonWashingtonDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)99109+10%
Median rent$1,313$1,900+45%
Median home value$253,400$724,600+186%
Median household income$62,894$106,287+69%

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 $110,398 in Washington. Going the other way, $100,000 in Washington is like $90,582 in Houston.

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

Compare any salary: Houston vs Washington

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 109 vs 99 — a 10% difference. Your money goes further in Houston.

About $110,398 — that's what you'd need in Washington to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.