Houston vs Cape Coral: cost of living compared
Cape Coral is 7% more expensive than Houston overall. Neither TX nor FL has a state income tax.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing the overall cost of living, Houston is generally more affordable than Cape Coral. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are noticeably lower in Houston. Other categories like food and miscellaneous goods are also somewhat less expensive in Houston, while transportation and utilities show a slightly higher cost there. Healthcare costs are roughly similar between the two metros, contributing little to the overall difference.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant contrast. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably lower in Houston. While neither state has an income tax, Florida homeowners often face higher insurance premiums, including potential flood insurance, and property taxes can reset to market value upon sale. Many newer communities in Cape Coral also feature additional fees for community amenities, which can add to the monthly housing burden.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food and miscellaneous items are somewhat lower in Houston, while transportation costs are a bit higher there. Utilities are slightly more expensive in Cape Coral. Both states do not levy a state income tax, which is a benefit for residents in either location. Healthcare costs are comparable, meaning that for many routine expenditures, the difference between the two metros is not as pronounced as with housing.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Houston offers a large, bustling urban environment with a humid subtropical climate, while Cape Coral provides a more relaxed, canal-centric lifestyle with a tropical climate. Getting around in Houston typically involves longer average commute times. Cape Coral's weather includes a hurricane season during summer and fall, which is a consideration for residents. The pace of life and density of development differ, with Houston being a major metropolitan hub and Cape Coral a growing coastal community.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, the most substantial financial impact will likely come from housing. Houston presents a more budget-friendly option for homeownership and renting. While some everyday costs like transportation and utilities might be slightly higher in Houston, these are generally outweighed by the significant savings on housing. Cape Coral offers a different lifestyle, but often at a higher overall cost, particularly when factoring in housing and associated ownership expenses.
| Measure | Houston, TX | Cape Coral, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 98 | 105 |
| Housing index | 84 | 105 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 101 |
| Food index | 95 | 97 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 110 |
| Misc index | 92 | 92 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $368,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,250/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Average commute | 31 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Cape Coral home with the True Cost Calculator.