Moving from Seattle to Houston?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Seattle lifestyle in Houston, you'd need to earn:
$66,562/year
▼ $8,438 less than you make now
| Category | Seattle | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $66,562 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$6,258 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,127 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$965 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $55,212 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -11.3% in Houston
- Housing is -30.9% in Houston
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~1,889 miles
DIY Truck
$4,000
Container
$6,500
Full-Service
$9,000
Salary Equivalents: Seattle to Houston
| Your Seattle Salary | Houston Equivalent | Difference | Houston Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $35,500 | -$4,500 | $30,563 |
| $50,000 | $44,374 | -$5,626 | $37,693 |
| $60,000 | $53,249 | -$6,751 | $44,824 |
| $75,000 | $66,562 | -$8,438 | $55,212 |
| $100,000 | $88,749 | -$11,251 | $70,821 |
| $150,000 | $133,123 | -$16,877 | $101,743 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Seattle and Houston Compare
Housing (31% cheaper in Houston)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Houston rents for $1,129/month compared to $1,937/month in Seattle. Median home prices: $335,000 in Houston vs $728,000 in Seattle.
Taxes
Washington has no state income tax. Texas has no state income tax.
Overall Cost of Living
Houston's overall cost of living is 11.3% lower than Seattle, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Seattle: 111.1, Houston: 98.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Seattle to Houston move. Average cost: $4,000–$9,000.
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 →