Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 108.9 in Washington, DC in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 9.4% less expensive than Washington; housing rents differ by 31% (104.5 vs 151.1). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $82,798 buys in Washington, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | Washington | Houston vs Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 108.9 | -9.4% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 104.8 | -4.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 151.1 | -30.8% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 106.7 | -10.7% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 102.3 | -6.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 114.8 | -13.3% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in Washington | $55,199 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in Washington | $110,398 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in Washington | $165,596 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.