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 living costs for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile are 13 percent below the average for 311 urban areas nationwide and 24 percent below the average for 24 metro areas with populations of more than 2 million.

• Los Angeles - 54.7 percent above average
• New York - 48 percent above average
• Boston - 34.2 percent above average
• Washington, D.C. - 33.6 percent above average
• Miami - 16 percent above average
• Denver - 4.7 percent above average
• Phoenix - 0.4 percent above average
• Atlanta - 3.1 percent below average
• Dallas - 6.3 percent below average
• Houston - 13 percent below average

Houston's housing costs are 28 percent below the nationwide average and 48 percent below the large-metro average.  Houston has the lowest housing prices among these 24 large metros.

Houston’s grocery prices are 25 percent below the major metro average, the lowest within this group.

Utility costs in Houston are 4 percent below the major metro average.

Transportation costs are 6 percent below the average.

Healthcare costs are 9 percent below the average.

Costs for miscellaneous goods and services in Houston are 13 percent below the average.

Source: Greater Houston Partnership