Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs New York, NY
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Houston, TX and New York, NY.
Houston
TX
Population: 2,302,878
New York
NY
Population: 8,258,035
Cost of Living Index Comparison
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | New York, NY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 95 | 150 | -36.7% |
| Median Home Price | $300,000 | $680,000 | -55.9% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.82% | 0.88% | +106.8% |
| Median Household Income | $57,791 | $74,694 | -22.6% |
| Population | 2,302,878 | 8,258,035 | -72.1% |
Cost of Living Breakdown
Houston, TX is 36.7% cheaper to live in than New York, NY, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$380,000
Houston, TX is cheaper by 55.9%
Income Difference
$16,903
New York, NY earns more by 22.6%
Housing Affordability
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Houston, TX
5.2x
$300,000 / $57,791
New York, NY
9.1x
$680,000 / $74,694
The Bottom Line
Overall, Houston, TX is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 95 compared to 150, a median home price of $300,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 5.2x, Houston, TX offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in New York, NY ($74,694) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.