Moving from Tempe to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$270/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10395
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$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 Tempe lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tempe | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,893 |
| $50K | $46,117 |
| $60K | $55,340 |
| $75K | $69,175 |
| $80K | $73,786 |
| $100K | $92,233 |
| $120K | $110,680 |
| $150K | $138,350 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tempe vs Houston
| Expense | Tempe | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $380 | $357 |
| Transport | $55 | $90 |
| Utilities | $210 | $175 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,277 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Tempe?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tempe to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tempe to Houston could save roughly $270/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,240/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Tempe lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tempe, you'd need roughly $69,175/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Houston to TempeTempe vs Houston — full comparisonTempe 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