Moving from San Francisco to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 51% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Houston to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 51% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $19,588 |
| $50K | $24,485 |
| $60K | $29,381 |
| $75K | $36,727 |
| $80K | $39,175 |
| $100K | $48,969 |
| $120K | $58,763 |
| $150K | $73,454 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs Houston
| Expense | San Francisco | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $448 | $357 |
| Transport | $100 | $90 |
| Utilities | $160 | $175 |
| Internet | $70 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 51% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to Houston could save roughly $2,341/month on core expenses. That's ~$28,092/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $36,727/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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