Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 115.6 in San Francisco, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 14.7% less expensive than San Francisco; housing rents differ by 46% (104.5 vs 194.7). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $87,915 buys in San Francisco, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | San Francisco | Houston vs San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 115.6 | -14.7% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 108.5 | -7.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 194.7 | -46.3% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 172.6 | -44.8% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 106.2 | -10.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 119.1 | -16.5% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in San Francisco | $58,610 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in San Francisco | $117,220 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in San Francisco | $175,830 |
Related
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- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs San Jose, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Seattle, WA (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.