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Houston vs Washington: prices, pay and housing
| Houston, TX | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 98.6 | 108.9 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $67,610 | $91,930 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $49,410 | $71,060 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $68,550 | $84,429 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $56,394 | $68,657 |
| Typical home value | $308,306 | $583,013 |
| Median household income | $80,458 | $123,896 |
| Home price / household income | 3.8 | 4.7 |
| Metro population | 7,274,714 | 6,263,796 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: Houston to Washington
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Houston to Washington, multiply your salary by 1.104.
| Salary in Houston | Same buying power in Washington |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Houston | $55,199 in Washington |
| $75,000 in Houston | $82,798 in Washington |
| $100,000 in Houston | $110,398 in Washington |
| $150,000 in Houston | $165,596 in Washington |
| $200,000 in Houston | $220,795 in Washington |
Salaries for common jobs in Houston and Washington
| Job | Houston | Washington | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $146,320 | $163,620 | $148,354 / $150,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,150 | $113,390 | $93,431 / $104,138 |
| Software Developers | $133,130 | $153,100 | $134,981 / $140,608 |
| Retail Salespersons | $34,640 | $39,600 | $35,122 / $36,369 |
| Management Analysts | $112,520 | $145,310 | $114,084 / $133,454 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $27,630 | $35,550 | $28,014 / $32,649 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $32,660 | $39,660 | $33,114 / $36,424 |
| Cashiers | $30,100 | $36,630 | $30,518 / $33,641 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $25,830 | $39,110 | $26,189 / $35,919 |
| Lawyers | $193,390 | $226,780 | $196,078 / $208,277 |
| Registered Nurses | $100,290 | $104,590 | $101,684 / $96,056 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $29,180 | $51,820 | $29,586 / $47,592 |
| Managers, All Other | $154,300 | $176,670 | $156,445 / $162,255 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $95,640 | $113,640 | $96,969 / $104,368 |
| Security Guards | $38,270 | $54,430 | $38,802 / $49,989 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
More cost of living comparisons
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Houston vs Washington: questions
Is Houston more expensive than Washington?
No. BEA prices are 98.6 in Houston, TX and 108.9 in Washington, DC (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Washington to match $100,000 in Houston?
About $110,398, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Houston or Washington?
Washington, DC: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
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