Median rent is 33% lower in Houston ($1,361/mo vs $2,018/mo). Buying is cheaper in Houston, where the median home runs $277,800 versus $1,039,500. Households earn more in Boulder ($87,493 vs $64,813 a year). Taken together, Houston is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.7 against 100.6 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boulder, CO.
Quick verdict
Houston is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 99.7 in Houston vs 100.6 in Boulder (US average = 100)
City A
Boulder, CO
City B
Houston, TX
How much would you need to earn in Houston, TX to maintain your standard of living from Boulder, CO?
Equivalent salary in Houston, TX
$74,344
You could earn $656 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boulder
Colorado
Houston
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Houston — median rent of $1,361/mo versus $2,018/mo in Boulder, a 33% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boulder: the median home is $1,039,500 versus $277,800 in Houston — 73% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Boulder
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Houston
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Houston (avg AQI 59.0) but not yet for Boulder.
Pick Boulder if you prioritize higher median household income ($87,493/yr).
Pick Houston if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,361/mo median).
Is Boulder cheaper than Houston?
Houston is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.7 versus 100.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Houston.
How much is rent in Boulder vs Houston?
Median rent is $2,018/mo in Boulder, CO and $1,361/mo in Houston, TX. Houston, TX has the lower rent by about 33%.
Which has higher salaries — Boulder or Houston?
Median household income is $87,493 in Boulder, CO and $64,813 in Houston, TX. Boulder, CO has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Boulder or Houston?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Boulder income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boulder, CO is equivalent to roughly $99,125 in Houston, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
