Dallas vs Houston: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Dallas | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,354 | $1,194 | +13% |
| Median household income | $70,518 | $64,813 | +8% |
| Grocery cost index | 98.1 | 98.1 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $143 | $143 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$82,426
- Difference
- $2,426