Moving from Raleigh to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$308/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10195
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,350
per month
State tax
4.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Houston to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,624 |
| $50K | $47,030 |
| $60K | $56,436 |
| $75K | $70,545 |
| $80K | $75,248 |
| $100K | $94,059 |
| $120K | $112,871 |
| $150K | $141,089 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Houston
| Expense | Raleigh | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $365 | $357 |
| Transport | $70 | $90 |
| Utilities | $150 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Houston could save roughly $308/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,696/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $70,545/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Houston to RaleighRaleigh vs Houston — full comparisonRaleigh 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