Quick answer
Overall prices in the New York, NY metro were 112.6 vs 98.6 in Houston, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so New York is 14.1% more expensive than Houston; housing rents differ by 42% (148.6 vs 104.5). A $75,000 income in New York buys about what $65,716 buys in Houston, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | New York | Houston | New York vs Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 112.6 | 98.6 | +14.1% |
| Goods | 110.3 | 100.6 | +9.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.6 | 104.5 | +42.2% |
| Utilities | 127.0 | 95.3 | +33.3% |
| Other services | 105.8 | 95.6 | +10.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.5 | 99.4 | +14.1% |
| $50,000 in New York equals in Houston | $43,811 | ||
| $100,000 in New York equals in Houston | $87,621 | ||
| $150,000 in New York equals in Houston | $131,432 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.