> However, median transportation costs were $1,152, a figure 38 percent higher than for New Yorkers. In total, the study found, living in Houston was only $79 cheaper each month than New York.

What isn’t clear to me from this if if the median transportation costs are higher in Houston because they have to be, or because people have more free income and are simply choosing to spend it on more expensive vehicles. I’d guess you’d find plenty of SUVs and trucks in and around Houston, which are expensive luxury vehicles that are not needed to commute. So you’re paying a higher lease price and higher gas prices for your gas guzzling status symbol, but that’s your own choice - you could drive a used beater sedan and have lower costs.