Cost of Living

Houston provides the opportunities and conveniences found in large cities, but is more affordable than many small cities.  Bargain housing prices and a low tax burden keep living expenses in Houston below those in most other major metropolitan areas. 

The ACCRA Cost of Living Index shows that Houston's overall after-taxes living costs are 10 percent below the nationwide average, largely due to housing costs that are 23 percent below the average.

In the context of the 27 metropolitan areas with more than 2 million residents, Houston's cost-of-living advantage is even more pronounced. Houston's housing costs are 42 percent below the average for the large metro areas, and its overall costs are 20 percent below the average for this group.

• San Francisco - 60.1 percent above average
• New York - 52.8 percent above average
• Washington, D.C. - 34.6 percent above average
• Boston - 32.3 percent above average
• Miami - 16.5 percent above average
• Denver - 4.9 percent above average
• Phoenix - 1.1 percent above average
• Atlanta - 3.8 percent below average
• Dallas - 8.1 percent below average
• Houston - 9.6 percent below average

Houston's grocery prices are 18 percent below the major metro average, the lowest within this group.

Utility costs in Houston are 1 percent below the major metro average.

Transportation costs are 9 percent below the average.

Healthcare costs are 8 percent below the average.

Costs for miscellaneous goods and services in Houston are 4 percent below the average.

Source: Greater Houston Partnership