CITY COMPARISON

Houston, TX vs Seattle, WA cost of living

Seattle, WA is 12.7% more expensive than Houston, TX on the latest overall regional price parity. A $100,000 lifestyle in Houston, TX is roughly equivalent to $113,000 in Seattle, WA before personal adjustments.

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Houston, TX and Seattle, WA side-by-side

MeasureHouston, TXSeattle, WA

Overall price parity98.6111.1

Housing rent parity104.5151.3

Median gross rent$1,469$2,050

HUD 1BR fair-market rent$1,261$2,146

Median household income$81,417$112,388

Latest available BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), U.S. Census ACS rent data (2024) and HUD Fair Market Rents (2027). Values are metro-wide estimates, not quotes.

The full Houston, TX vs Seattle, WA cost of living comparison

Equivalent salary from Houston, TX to Seattle, WA

For every $100,000 earned in Houston, TX, the broad price-parity equivalent is about $113,000 in Seattle, WA. A real relocation decision should also include state taxes, actual housing, benefits, commute and one-time moving costs.

Who should pick Houston, TX?

No state income tax
Lowest housing costs of the major Texas metros
Energy, aerospace and international trade jobs
Highly diverse, international population

Who should pick Seattle, WA?

No state income tax on wages
Major tech economy (Amazon, Microsoft)
Mature transit in the core
Walkable neighborhoods and strong job market

Houston, TX vs Seattle, WA FAQ

Is Seattle, WA more expensive than Houston, TX?

What salary in Seattle, WA matches $100,000 in Houston, TX?

The official price-parity estimate is approximately $113,000, before taxes and household-specific costs such as actual rent, commute and benefits.

Which city has better job opportunities, Houston, TX or Seattle, WA?

Houston, TX: No state income tax, Lowest housing costs of the major Texas metros, Energy, aerospace and international trade jobs, Highly diverse, international population. Seattle, WA: No state income tax on wages, Major tech economy (Amazon, Microsoft), Mature transit in the core, Walkable neighborhoods and strong job market. The better fit depends on your industry, tax situation and lifestyle priorities.

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