Moving from Memphis to Houston?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Memphis lifestyle in Houston, you'd need to earn:
$80,224/year
▲ $5,224 more than you make now
| Category | Memphis | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $80,224 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$9,263 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,974 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,163 |
| State Tax | -$0 | -$0 |
| Take-Home Pay | $61,149 | $64,824 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +7.0% in Houston
- Housing is +31.0% in Houston
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~484 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Memphis to Houston
| Your Memphis Salary | Houston Equivalent | Difference | Houston Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $42,786 | +$2,786 | $36,417 |
| $50,000 | $53,483 | +$3,483 | $45,012 |
| $60,000 | $64,179 | +$4,179 | $53,536 |
| $75,000 | $80,224 | +$5,224 | $64,824 |
| $100,000 | $106,966 | +$6,966 | $83,637 |
| $150,000 | $160,449 | +$10,449 | $120,420 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Memphis and Houston Compare
Housing (31% more expensive in Houston)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Houston rents for $1,129/month compared to $950/month in Memphis. Median home prices: $335,000 in Houston vs $236,000 in Memphis.
Taxes
Tennessee has no state income tax. Texas has no state income tax.
Overall Cost of Living
Houston's overall cost of living is 7.0% higher than Memphis, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Memphis: 92.2, Houston: 98.6.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Memphis to Houston move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Houston
Average 1BR rent in Houston: $1,129/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →