Moving from Tokyo to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 86 for Tokyo (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 11% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$1,100 more/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
86 → 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 → $1,350
per month
State tax
20% → None
income tax
COL difference
86 → 95
11% more expensive
Salary needed in Houston to match your Tokyo lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tokyo | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $44,444 |
| $50K | $55,556 |
| $60K | $66,667 |
| $75K | $83,333 |
| $80K | $88,889 |
| $100K | $111,111 |
| $120K | $133,333 |
| $150K | $166,667 |
Adjust your salary
Pay ~$187/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Tokyo vs Houston
| Expense | Tokyo | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,491 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $380 | $357 |
| Transport | $150 | $90 |
| Utilities | $90 | $175 |
| Internet | $30 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,641 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Tokyo?
No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 86 for Tokyo (100 = US average). That's about 11% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Tokyo to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tokyo to Houston saves roughly $1,100/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,200/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Tokyo lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tokyo, you'd need roughly $83,333/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Houston to TokyoTokyo vs Houston — full comparisonTokyo 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