Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 108.3 in Boston, MA in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 8.9% less expensive than Boston; housing rents differ by 30% (104.5 vs 148.4). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $82,328 buys in Boston, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | Boston | Houston vs Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 108.3 | -8.9% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 99.7 | +1.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 148.4 | -29.6% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 148.8 | -35.9% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 103.6 | -7.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 107.7 | -7.7% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in Boston | $54,885 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in Boston | $109,771 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in Boston | $164,656 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.