Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 111.1 in Seattle, WA in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 11.3% less expensive than Seattle; housing rents differ by 31% (104.5 vs 151.3). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $84,508 buys in Seattle, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | Seattle | Houston vs Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 111.1 | -11.3% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 104.0 | -3.2% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 151.3 | -30.9% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 92.8 | +2.7% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 106.8 | -10.5% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 109.1 | -8.9% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in Seattle | $56,339 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in Seattle | $112,678 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in Seattle | $169,017 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.