Moving from Seoul to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 73 for Seoul (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 31% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$488 more/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
73 → 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$900 → $1,350
per month
State tax
15% → None
income tax
COL difference
73 → 95
31% more expensive
Salary needed in Houston to match your Seoul lifestyle
Based on the 31% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seoul | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $52,414 |
| $50K | $65,517 |
| $60K | $78,621 |
| $75K | $98,276 |
| $80K | $104,828 |
| $100K | $131,034 |
| $120K | $157,241 |
| $150K | $196,552 |
Adjust your salary
Pay ~$502/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Seoul vs Houston
| Expense | Seoul | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,803 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $900 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $380 | $357 |
| Transport | $150 | $90 |
| Utilities | $80 | $175 |
| Internet | $25 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,268 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Seoul?
No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 73 for Seoul (100 = US average). That's about 31% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Seoul to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seoul to Houston saves roughly $488/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,856/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Seoul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seoul, you'd need roughly $98,276/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Houston to SeoulSeoul vs Houston — full comparisonSeoul 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