Moving from Phoenix to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 100 for Phoenix (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$166/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10095
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500$1,350
per month
State tax
2.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Houston to match your Phoenix lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Phoenix | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,000 |
| $50K | $47,500 |
| $60K | $57,000 |
| $75K | $71,250 |
| $80K | $76,000 |
| $100K | $95,000 |
| $120K | $114,000 |
| $150K | $142,500 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Phoenix vs Houston
| Expense | Phoenix | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $369 | $357 |
| Transport | $64 | $90 |
| Utilities | $210 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,381 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Phoenix?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 100 for Phoenix (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Phoenix to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Phoenix to Houston could save roughly $166/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,992/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Phoenix lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Phoenix, you'd need roughly $71,250/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Houston to PhoenixPhoenix vs Houston — full comparisonPhoenix 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