Cheapest Cities Near Houston (2026)

Houston has a cost of living index of 95 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI19% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $470/mo on rent
DetailsCompare
2
McAllen, TX18% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $400/mo on rent
DetailsCompare
3
Jackson, MS17% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $350/mo on rent
DetailsCompare
4
Springfield, MO17% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $400/mo on rent
DetailsCompare
5
Laredo, TX17% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $400/mo on rent
DetailsCompare
6
Evansville, IN16% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $360/mo on rent
DetailsCompare
7
Topeka, KS16% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $410/mo on rent
DetailsCompare
8
El Paso, TX16% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $300/mo on rent
DetailsCompare

Houston at a glance

95
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,350
1BR rent
per month
$280K
Home price
median
None
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

New Orleans, LACOL: 95Colorado Springs, COCOL: 95Cape Coral, FLCOL: 96Rochester, MNCOL: 94

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only