The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Dallas | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 102 | 99 | -3 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $1,450 | $1,400 | -$50 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $1,900 | $1,800 | -$100 |
| Median household income | $61,248 | $56,203 | -$5,045 |
| Population | 1,343,573 | 2,320,268 | +976,695 |
What salary you'd need in Houston
To maintain your Dallas purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Houston.
Dallas vs Houston: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Dallas's cost-of-living index of 102 runs roughly 2.9% higher than Houston's 99. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in Dallas averages $1,450/month, vs $1,400/month in Houston — a -$50 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to -$100/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $600 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Dallas is $61,248, while Houston runs $56,203 (-$5,045 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
Both cities are in the same state, so state income tax is identical. The cost difference is purely local — rent, transit, groceries, and lifestyle.