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Side-by-side comparison

Houston vs New York City

Cost of living comparison for Houston, Texas and New York City, New York.

Bottom line

New York City is approximately 67% more expensive than Houston. A single person needs about $5,319/mo in New York City versus $3,185/mo in Houston.

Rent in Houston vs New York City

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Houston · Studio
$1,226
New York City · Studio
$2,406
New York City is $1,180 (96%) higher than Houston
Houston · 1 bedroom
$1,279
New York City · 1 bedroom
$2,511
New York City is $1,232 (96%) higher than Houston
Houston · 2 bedroom
$1,529
New York City · 2 bedroom
$2,780
New York City is $1,251 (82%) higher than Houston
Houston · 3 bedroom
$2,038
New York City · 3 bedroom
$3,465
New York City is $1,427 (70%) higher than Houston

Income & earnings in Houston vs New York City

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Houston · Household income
$73,104
New York City · Household income
$104,553
New York City is $31,449 (43%) higher than Houston
Houston · Individual earnings
$41,738
New York City · Individual earnings
$75,255
New York City is $33,517 (80%) higher than Houston
Houston · Per capita
$39,978
New York City · Per capita
$94,922
New York City is $54,944 (137%) higher than Houston

Home values in Houston vs New York City

Average values and property tax.

Houston · Average home value
$255,000
New York City · Average home value
$1,108,900
New York City is $853,900 (335%) higher than Houston
Houston · Annual property tax
$4,382
New York City · Annual property tax
$10,001
New York City is $5,619 (128%) higher than Houston

Energy in Houston vs New York City

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Houston · Monthly electricity
$167
New York City · Monthly electricity
$140
Houston is $27 (19%) higher than New York City
Houston · Monthly gas
$32
New York City · Monthly gas
$68
New York City is $36 (113%) higher than Houston
Houston · Annual total
$2,388
New York City · Annual total
$2,496
New York City is $108 (5%) higher than Houston

Healthcare in Houston vs New York City

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Houston · Individual premium
$480
New York City · Individual premium
$480
Houston and New York City are about the same
Houston · Family premium
$1,350
New York City · Family premium
$1,350
Houston and New York City are about the same
Houston · Uninsured rate
21.2%
New York City · Uninsured rate
4.3%
Houston is 16.9% (393%) higher than New York City

Taxes in Houston vs New York City

State income and sales tax.

Houston · State income tax
0.0%
New York City · State income tax
10.9%
New York City is 10.9% higher than Houston
Houston · State sales tax
6.3%
New York City · State sales tax
4.0%
Houston is 2.3% (56%) higher than New York City
Houston · Combined sales tax
8.2%
New York City · Combined sales tax
8.5%
New York City is 0.3% (4%) higher than Houston

Transportation in Houston vs New York City

Commute time and travel modes.

Houston · Average commute
29.0 min
New York City · Average commute
31.4 min
New York City is 2.4 min (8%) higher than Houston
Houston · Drive alone
72.4%
New York City · Drive alone
5.7%
Houston is 66.7% (1170%) higher than New York City
Houston · Public transit
2.1%
New York City · Public transit
45.5%
New York City is 43.4% (2067%) higher than Houston

Monthly cost estimates in Houston vs New York City

All categories combined.

Houston · Single person
$3,185
New York City · Single person
$5,319
New York City is $2,134 (67%) higher than Houston
Houston · Couple
$4,536
New York City · Couple
$6,684
New York City is $2,148 (47%) higher than Houston
Houston · Family
$7,187
New York City · Family
$9,554
New York City is $2,367 (33%) higher than Houston

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Houston and New York City.

Is Houston or New York City more expensive?

New York City is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,185/mo in Houston, Texas and $5,319/mo in New York City, New York, a difference of about 67%.

What is the rent difference between Houston and New York City?

Average one-bedroom rent in Houston, Texas is $1,279/mo versus $2,511/mo in New York City, New York. New York City is approximately $1,232 (96%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Houston or New York City?

New York City has the higher average household income. Houston households earn approximately $73,104 per year; New York City households earn approximately $104,553 per year.

More on Houston and New York City

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.