Median rent is 27% lower in Houston ($1,361/mo vs $1,870/mo). Buying is cheaper in Houston, where the median home runs $277,800 versus $619,800. Households earn more in Sandy Springs ($104,340 vs $64,813 a year). Taken together, Houston is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.7 against 100.5 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sandy Springs, GA.
Quick verdict
Houston is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 99.7 in Houston vs 100.5 in Sandy Springs (US average = 100)
City A
Houston, TX
City B
Sandy Springs, GA
How much would you need to earn in Sandy Springs, GA to maintain your standard of living from Houston, TX?
Equivalent salary in Sandy Springs, GA
$75,562
You'd need $562 more (1% higher).
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
Houston
Texas
Sandy Springs
Georgia
👥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 $1,870/mo in Sandy Springs, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Sandy Springs: the median home is $619,800 versus $277,800 in Houston — 55% 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.
Houston
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Sandy Springs
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Houston (avg AQI 59.0) but not yet for Sandy Springs.
Pick Sandy Springs if you prioritize higher median household income ($104,340/yr).
Pick Houston if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,361/mo median).
Is Houston cheaper than Sandy Springs?
Houston is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.7 versus 100.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Houston.
How much is rent in Houston vs Sandy Springs?
Median rent is $1,361/mo in Houston, TX and $1,870/mo in Sandy Springs, GA. Houston, TX has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Houston or Sandy Springs?
Median household income is $64,813 in Houston, TX and $104,340 in Sandy Springs, GA. Sandy Springs, GA 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 — Houston or Sandy Springs?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Sandy Springs to match my Houston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Houston, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,749 in Sandy Springs, GA (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
