Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 110.4 in San Jose, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 10.7% less expensive than San Jose; housing rents differ by 51% (104.5 vs 211.9). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $83,968 buys in San Jose, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | San Jose | Houston vs San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 110.4 | -10.7% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 105.2 | -4.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 211.9 | -50.7% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 156.7 | -39.2% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 100.3 | -4.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 119.3 | -16.6% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in San Jose | $55,979 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in San Jose | $111,958 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in San Jose | $167,937 |
Related
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs San Antonio, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs San Francisco, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Seattle, WA (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Tampa, FL (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Washington, DC (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.