Moving from Lincoln to Houston (2026)

Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 86 for Lincoln (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 10% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$163 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
86 โ†’ 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,150 โ†’ $1,350
per month
State tax
5.8% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
86 โ†’ 95
10% more expensive

Salary needed in Houston to match your Lincoln lifestyle

Based on the 10% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in LincolnEquivalent in Houston
$40K$44,186
$50K$55,233
$60K$66,279
$75K$82,849
$80K$88,372
$100K$110,465
$120K$132,558
$150K$165,698

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$272/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Lincoln vs Houston

ExpenseLincolnHouston
Monthly take-home$4,378$4,741
1BR rent$1,150$1,350
Groceries$357$357
Transport$48$90
Utilities$152$175
Internet$58$65
Left after essentials$2,613$2,704

Frequently asked questions

Is Houston cheaper than Lincoln?

No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 86 for Lincoln (100 = US average). That's about 10% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Lincoln to Houston?

On a $75K salary, moving from Lincoln to Houston saves roughly $163/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,956/year.

What salary do I need in Houston to match my Lincoln lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lincoln, you'd need roughly $82,849/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only