Median rent is 21% lower in Houston ($1,313/mo vs $1,671/mo). Buying is cheaper in Houston, where the median home runs $253,400 versus $398,600. Households earn more in Georgetown ($91,857 vs $62,894 a year). Taken together, Houston is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Georgetown, TX.
City A
Georgetown, TX
City B
Houston, TX
How much would you need to earn in Houston, TX to maintain your standard of living from Georgetown, TX?
Equivalent salary in Houston, TX
$74,971
You could earn $29 less (0% 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
Georgetown
Texas
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 $1,313/mo versus $1,671/mo in Georgetown, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Georgetown: the median home is $398,600 versus $253,400 in Houston — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; Houston has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Georgetown
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Houston
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Houston (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Georgetown.
Pick Georgetown if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,857/yr).
Pick Houston if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,313/mo median).
Is Georgetown cheaper than Houston?
Houston is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Houston.
How much is rent in Georgetown vs Houston?
Median rent is $1,671/mo in Georgetown, TX and $1,313/mo in Houston, TX. Houston, TX has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Georgetown or Houston?
Median household income is $91,857 in Georgetown, TX and $62,894 in Houston, TX. Georgetown, TX 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 — Georgetown or Houston?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Georgetown income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Georgetown, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,962 in Houston, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology