Austin
HoustonVS
Austin is 8% cheaper than Houston overall.
| Austin | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Centre) | $2,377.96 CAD | $2,098.20 CAD |
| Rent (1BR Outside Centre) | $1,958.32 CAD | $1,748.50 CAD |
| Groceries Index | 100 | 98 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $57.35 CAD | $125.89 CAD |
| Utilities (monthly) | $209.82 CAD | $237.80 CAD |
| Gas (per litre) | $1.09 CAD | $1.09 CAD |
| Mid-range Meal | $32.17 CAD | $30.77 CAD |
| Gym Membership | $62.95 CAD | $55.95 CAD |
| Childcare (monthly) | $1,888.38 CAD | $1,678.56 CAD |
Each city is shown in your selected currency (toggle CAD/USD in the header); cheaper values are highlighted after converting to a common currency. Updated June 2026.
Salary Equivalence Calculator
If you earn $in Austin...
You would need $65,453 in Houston to maintain the same lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austin cheaper than Houston?
Austin is 8% cheaper than Houston overall.
How much is rent in Austin vs Houston?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages $1,700 USD per month in Austin and $1,500 USD in Houston. Outside the centre, it is $1,400 USD in Austin and $1,250 USD in Houston.
What salary do I need to move from Austin to Houston?
On average, you need about 109% of your current salary — for example, $60,000 in Austin is roughly equivalent to $65,453 in Houston.