Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Houston vs ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Austin

Austin is 5.2% more expensive

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Category ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Houston ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Austin Difference
Cost of Living 53.6 56.4 +5.2%
Rent 38.1 43.1 +13.1%
Groceries 66.2 72.1 +8.9%
Restaurants 73.9 82.0 +11.0%
Purchasing Power 161.1 167.7 +4.1%
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 Houston
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