Austin vs Houston: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Austin's median home value is $461,500 — 96% higher than Houston's $235,000.
Median household income is $86,556 in Austin versus $60,440 in Houston.
Typical rent runs $1,549 in Austin and $1,235 in Houston.
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 958,202 | 2,296,253 |
| Median home value | $461,500 | $235,000 |
| Median household income | $86,556 | $60,440 |
| Median gross rent | $1,549 | $1,235 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
On housing costs, Houston, TX looks more affordable than Austin, TX — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.