Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Houston is 14% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $64,865 in Houston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Reno scores 102.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) match Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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