Moving from Austin to Houston?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Austin lifestyle in Houston, you'd need to earn:
$75,469/year
▲ $469 more than you make now
| Category | Austin | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $75,469 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,217 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,679 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,094 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $61,478 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +0.5% in Houston
- Housing is -13.2% in Houston
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~146 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Austin to Houston
| Your Austin Salary | Houston Equivalent | Difference | Houston Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $40,237 | +$237 | $34,369 |
| $50,000 | $50,286 | +$286 | $42,443 |
| $60,000 | $60,335 | +$335 | $50,518 |
| $75,000 | $75,469 | +$469 | $61,478 |
| $100,000 | $100,590 | +$590 | $79,151 |
| $150,000 | $150,834 | +$834 | $113,848 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Austin and Houston Compare
Housing (13% cheaper in Houston)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Houston rents for $1,129/month compared to $1,549/month in Austin. Median home prices: $335,000 in Houston vs $400,000 in Austin.
Taxes
Texas has no state income tax. Texas has no state income tax.
Overall Cost of Living
Houston's overall cost of living is 0.5% higher than Austin, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Austin: 98.1, Houston: 98.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Austin to Houston move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Houston
Average 1BR rent in Houston: $1,129/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →