Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 98.1 in Austin, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 0.6% more expensive than Austin; housing rents differ by 13% (104.5 vs 120.4). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $74,572 buys in Austin, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | Austin | Houston vs Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 98.1 | +0.6% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 93.8 | +7.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 120.4 | -13.2% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 82.0 | +16.1% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 96.2 | -0.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 99.6 | -0.1% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in Austin | $49,715 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in Austin | $99,429 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in Austin | $149,144 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.