Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Austin vs ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Houston

Houston is 5.0% cheaper

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Category ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Austin ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Houston Difference
Cost of Living 56.4 53.6 -5.0%
Rent 43.1 38.1 -11.6%
Groceries 72.1 66.2 -8.2%
Restaurants 82.0 73.9 -9.9%
Purchasing Power 167.7 161.1 -3.9%
Data from October 2026 · Cost of living: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available. Rent, groceries, restaurants and purchasing power: Numbeo (NYC = 100) · Indices reflect relative costs; absolute prices vary by neighbourhood.
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๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Cost of Living in Austin
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๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Cost of Living in Houston
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