Cost of Living in Houston, TX [2024]

Houston's position as a thriving metropolis makes it a desirable place to live, work, and play. As the country's fourth-largest city, Houston boasts a healthy job market and plenty of recreation and nightlife.

Living in Houston is also relatively inexpensive compared to cities like Atlanta, New York, and San Francisco.

There's a neighborhood for every lifestyle in Houston, whether you love art and culture or want a quiet reprieve from urban living. It’s no wonder Houston ranks as one of the best places to live in Texas.

Read on and learn more about the cost of living in Houston, so that you can start planning your big move and budget accordingly.

Cost of Living in Houston

What Is the Cost of Living in Houston?

Although Texas is known for having everything bigger, it’s great to hear that living in Houston does not require a hefty paycheck. The average cost of living in Houston is 5% less than the average city, with residents spending $4,293 a month to live in the city.

How Much Is Rent in Houston?

As of July 2024, the overall median rent in Houston is $1,311. For one-bedrooms, that median rate is $1,157 per month. Two bedrooms are closer to $1,372.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Houston?

Not sure how much you need to earn in Houston to live comfortably? You can perform a calculation based on rent price to determine what salary you need. As long as rent stays below 30% of your total costs, you can pay your bills and have money left over for entertainment as well. At the median rate of $1,311 for an apartment, you would need to earn around $52,440 to comfortably afford an apartment in Houston.

The estimated median household income in Houston at the end of 2022 was around $53,600 per year. If you're not sure how much you need to make living comfortable in Houston, consider your salary compared to the median rent prices.

If you can't find the salary you want in Houston, there are also other options to consider. Having a roommate will dramatically lower your costs and offer more flexibility for indulgences and nightlife.

Not sure how much rent you can afford? Try using our rent calculator.

How Much Are Utilities in Houston?

A basic utility bill anywhere you live should include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. If you live in a 915 sq. ft. apartment, you should expect to pay around $255.93 per month in Houston. That's right around the national average of $253.14. Here's a breakdown of those costs by category, along with a comparison to other Texas cities:

Keep in mind that Texas isn't known for its mild summers. You should expect to pay more to power your air conditioner from May to August when temperatures rise.

Additionally, the internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) will increase the total monthly cost of utilities by approximately $73.91 That’ll bring your total to $238.81 per month.

How Much Is Transportation in Houston?

Houston is a car town. However, you can still get around with ride-shares, walking, or public transportation. The less you can rely on your car, the more you can keep your budget down. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates a single adult will spend approximately $10,306 per year on transportation as a single adult. A family of three (two working adults and a child) increases transportation costs to $17,286 a year.

When car culture is the norm, you'll need to plan accordingly for gas. Houston fuel prices are relatively affordable. They see fluctuations of around $4.10 a gallon.

How Much Are Food Costs in Houston?

Houston is known as a food town, so plan accordingly. A single full-time working adult who cooks their meals and snacks spends around $3,804 a year on food in Houston. Keep in mind this is for a relatively no-frills diet.

To get an idea of food prices, check on the basis. According to Numbeo, loaf of bread will run $2.74 around the city, a gallon of milk will cost $3.60, and a dozen eggs will cost you $3.15.

Downtown Houston is known as a “food desert,” as big grocers are not readily available. Plan to spend more on grocery delivery or to make a run to a nearby neighborhood.

It’ll cost at least $16.50 at an inexpensive restaurant. If you want to splurge at a mid-range restaurant on a three-course dinner for two, you'll need at least $75.

Houston Healthcare Costs

MIT's Living Wage Calculator uses the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to estimate typical health expenditure. Harris County residents can expect to pay $3,317 per year for healthcare for a single full-time working adult and $8,707 a year for a family of three.

Houston Fitness and Entertainment

Houston's mild climate in fall, winter, and spring offers more opportunities to bike, jog, and get fit outdoors. Summers are tougher to spend the day in the heat. If you're a gym-goer and need a place to cool down while working out, you'll pay around $43.13 on monthly membership fees.

Houston is a cultural town and boasts its own Museum District. Factor in a larger budget if you plan to visit the city's 19 museums and 9-mile museum district. Movie-goers will pay around $12 per ticket. Remember to factor in more if you plan to hit the concession stand for snacks and drinks.

Hermann Park is home to a golf course and the Houston Zoo. The park is a family-friendly place to spend the day learning more about the 6,000 animals and 900 species at the zoo.

Free Things to do Around Houston

During the summer months, the Miller Outdoor Theatre hosts free performances, flicks, and music in Houston's Museum District. Stop by The Menil Collection for free and see pieces from around the world, including works by Andy Warhol and Picasso. You can also go kayaking on the Armand Bayou Paddling Trail.

Houston offers plenty of free green space to relax outdoors or get fit. Go jogging, biking, or walk the dog in Buffalo Bayou Park, the Hike and Bike Trail, or Brays Bayou Park. Memorial Park's 1,466 acres offer plenty of room for fantastic golf.

Other Expenses to Consider in Houston

There are some other expenses to consider when living in Houston. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about frigid winters and icy wear and tear on your car when you live in Houston. However, heat can be a major issue during the summer months.

In addition to planning for a spike in utilities with air conditioning, most Texans need a pool to cool off. Swimming pools are common in apartment complexes throughout the metro area.

You're also just an hour's drive from Galveston and the beach, where you can cool off, stroll the Pier, and get a break from living in an urban area.

Texas State Taxes

If you're interested in owning a home, Houston's property taxes will likely prove higher at around 2% to 3% on up.

However, Texas doesn’t have any state or local personal income taxes, which can save you a bundle come tax time.

Sales tax may surprise you but can be offset by the lack of income taxes. Currently, the minimum combined 2022 sales tax rate for Houston, Texas, is 8.25%.

Job Market in Houston

Houston residents enjoy a promising job market. However, the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down its growth trajectory. The job market attracts newcomers looking for opportunities and job growth around the metro area.

Newcomers are welcome in Houston. There’s a less competitive job market than in other metropolitan cities. Walmart, Memorial Hermann Health System, H-E-B, McDonald's, Houston Methodist, and United Airlines are among the city's biggest employers.

Houston is also home to a growing aerospace market, which includes Boeing Space Exploration, Houston Spaceport, Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston, and more.

Looking for an Apartment in Houston?

Houston offers something for everyone. You’ll find a relatively mild climate, a growing job market, and plenty of food and culture to choose from.

Ready to pack up and move to Space City? Find your next Houston apartment on Apartment List by taking our easy quiz or browsing Houston listings now!

FAQs: Cost of Living in Houston in 2023

Is Houston cheaper than Dallas?

Houston is currently cheaper than Dallas. A one-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,062, and a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,201. A two-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,273, and a two-bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,436.

Is Houston cheaper than San Antonio?

San Antonio is slightly less expensive than Houston. A one-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,201, and a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is $1,052. A two-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,436, and a two-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is $1,300.

How far is Houston from Dallas?

Houston is 239.2 miles from Dallas via I-45 S. It takes 3 hours and 53 minutes to drive between Houston and Dallas. You can also take the Greyhound between Dallas and Houston, which takes 4 hours and 10 minutes.

How far is Houston from San Antonio?

Houston is 196.8 miles from Houston, San Antonio via I-10 E. It takes about 3 hours and 17 minutes to drive from Houston to San Antonio. You can also take the Greyhound bus from Houston to San Antonio. It will take around 3 hours and 35 minutes to get between the two cities by bus.

How far is Houston from Austin?

Houston is 162.1 miles from Austin via US-290 E. It takes about 2 hours and 52 minutes to drive from Houston to Austin. You can also take the Megabus from Houston to Austin, which takes 3 hours and 15 minutes.

What is the population of Houston?

Accoring to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Houston is 2,288,250. The entire state of Texas has over 29,145,505 people.