Moving from Carmel to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 98 for Carmel (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$43/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9895
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,450$1,350
per month
State tax
3.2%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,541$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Houston to match your Carmel lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Carmel | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,776 |
| $50K | $48,469 |
| $60K | $58,163 |
| $75K | $72,704 |
| $80K | $77,551 |
| $100K | $96,939 |
| $120K | $116,327 |
| $150K | $145,408 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Carmel vs Houston
| Expense | Carmel | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,541 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,450 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $376 | $357 |
| Transport | $40 | $90 |
| Utilities | $152 | $175 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,461 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Carmel?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 98 for Carmel (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Carmel to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Carmel to Houston could save roughly $43/month on core expenses. That's ~$516/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Carmel lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Carmel, you'd need roughly $72,704/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Houston to CarmelCarmel vs Houston — full comparisonCarmel cost of livingHouston cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only