Moving from Kraków to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 55 for Kraków (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 73% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$150 more/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
55 → 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$750 → $1,350
per month
State tax
12% → None
income tax
COL difference
55 → 95
73% more expensive
Salary needed in Houston to match your Kraków lifestyle
Based on the 73% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Kraków | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $69,091 |
| $50K | $86,364 |
| $60K | $103,636 |
| $75K | $129,545 |
| $80K | $138,182 |
| $100K | $172,727 |
| $120K | $207,273 |
| $150K | $259,091 |
Adjust your salary
Pay ~$642/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Kraków vs Houston
| Expense | Kraków | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,991 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $750 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $380 | $357 |
| Transport | $150 | $90 |
| Utilities | $90 | $175 |
| Internet | $25 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,596 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Kraków?
No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 55 for Kraków (100 = US average). That's about 73% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Kraków to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Kraków to Houston saves roughly $150/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,800/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Kraków lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Kraków, you'd need roughly $129,545/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Houston to KrakówKraków vs Houston — full comparisonKraków cost of livingHouston cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only