Moving from Dallas to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 99 for Dallas (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$155/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9995
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500$1,350
per month
State tax
NoneNone
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Houston to match your Dallas lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Dallas | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,384 |
| $50K | $47,980 |
| $60K | $57,576 |
| $75K | $71,970 |
| $80K | $76,768 |
| $100K | $95,960 |
| $120K | $115,152 |
| $150K | $143,939 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Dallas vs Houston
| Expense | Dallas | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $361 | $357 |
| Transport | $96 | $90 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,549 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Dallas?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 99 for Dallas (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Dallas to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Dallas to Houston could save roughly $155/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,860/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Dallas lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Dallas, you'd need roughly $71,970/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Houston to DallasDallas vs Houston — full comparisonDallas 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