Houston, TX vs North Las Vegas, NV
Cost of Living Comparison — 2026
Renters in Houston, TX spend a smaller share of their income on housing. Median household income is 22% higher in North Las Vegas, NV. Home prices in North Las Vegas, NV run 47% higher.
Detailed Comparison
Housing Costs and Affordability
A common benchmark is spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing. In Houston, TX, renters allocate roughly 25.1% of median household income to rent (within that threshold). In North Las Vegas, NV, the figure is 25.1% , comparable to the other city.
For prospective homebuyers, the price-to-income ratio tells you how many years of gross income it takes to match the median home price. In Houston, TX, that ratio is 4.0x. Homes cost 4.0 times the median annual income. In North Las Vegas, NV, it's 4.8x. Homes are relatively more attainable in Houston, TX.
Monthly housing costs (rent plus utilities) average $1,316 in Houston and $1,570 in North Las Vegas. These figures include renters paying utilities separately from rent.
Income and Labor Market
Median household income in Houston, TX is $62,894; in North Las Vegas, NV it is $76,772. That's a $13,878 gap, but income alone doesn't tell the full story without accounting for local costs.
Unemployment stands at 6.7% in Houston and 7.9% in North Las Vegas. Labor force participation (the share of the population working or actively job-seeking) is 53.0% in Houston versus 50.2% in North Las Vegas.
Population
Houston, TX has a population of 2,300,419, making it the larger of the two cities. North Las Vegas, NV has 270,773 residents. City size affects everything from transit options and job market depth to cost pressures. Larger metros typically see higher housing demand.
Data Sources
All data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Income, housing, and employment figures represent the most recent available estimates. Data is refreshed as new Census releases become available.