Cost of Living in Houston, TX [2025]

Houston's position as a thriving metropolis makes it a desirable place to live, work, and play. As the largest city in the state and the fourth-largest in the U.S., Houston offers an exciting blend of culture, commerce, and Southern charm. Renters flock to Houston for its booming job market, especially in energy, healthcare, and aerospace, while also enjoying a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe with a mix of urban convenience and suburban comfort.

Explore the city’s renowned Museum District, home to world-class institutions like the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, while food lovers can indulge in Houston’s dynamic culinary scene, featuring everything from Texas BBQ to international cuisine. For those who love outdoor activities, Houston provides numerous parks, like Hermann Park, perfect for a jog or a relaxing afternoon.

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

If you're thinking about making the move, learn more about the cost of living in Houston, and start planning your big move and budget accordingly.

Cost of Living in Houston, TX

What Is the Cost of Living in Houston, TX?

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 currently 2.9% higher than the national average. Here's a look at what those cost of living categories look like:

We took a look at our latest data and found the average monthly spending in Houston is $4,213 a month. This figure is 7% less expensive than other cities in our database, indicating Houston is offers a much lower cost of living than similar-sized metro areas.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Houston, TX?

Not all areas of Houston come with a low cost of living, especially if you want to enjoy high-end amenities and high-rise neighborhoods. Some of the more expensive and sought-after parts of Fairfax include Midtown, Houston. Rents currently range from $1,100 to $3,650 with an average rent of $1,689 for one-bedroom apartments. Rental pricing for two-bedroom apartments in Midtown ranges from $1,600 to $6,550 with an average rent of $2,610.

Where is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Houston, TX?

If you want to live in some of the most affordable areas of Houston, you can apartment hunt in the Greater Greenpoint neighborhood. Rents currently ranges from $700 to $1,300 with an average rent of $926 for a one-bedroom apartment. Rents two-bedroom apartments in Greater Greenspoint ranges from $900 to $1,550 with an average rent of $1,174.

How Much Is Rent in Houston, TX?

As of February 2025, the overall median rent in Houston is $1,286, which shows that prices are now down 0.4% year-over-year. For one-bedrooms, that median rate is $1,135 per month, and for two bedrooms, rents are now closer to $1,345.

For more context, the median rent in Houston fell by 0.3% over the course of January, and has now decreased by a total of 0.4% over the past 12 months. Houston’s rent growth over the past year has has outpaced the state average (-2.8%) and is similar to the national average (-0.5%).

How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Houston, TX?

We took a look at our February 2025 rent report to look at the latest data. If you're hunting for a one-bedroom apartment, you'll spend a median rent of $1,135 a month. You can also take a look at what to expect from one bedroom apartments in different neighborhoods in Houston.

How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Houston, TX?

If you're looking for more space or want to team up with a roommate, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,345 a month. We also pulled the average rents for some of the most popular neighborhoods in Houston for renters.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Houston, TX?

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. According to the 30% rule, 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 $1,135 for an apartment, you would need to earn around $45,400 a year, $3,783.33 a month, or $22.70 an hour to comfortably afford an apartment in Houston.

It's also a good idea to consider the living wage, which is the bare minimum you need to stay above the poverty line and cover housing, food, transportation, and necessities. It doesn't cover travel, emergencies, or student debt repayments. According to MIT's data, the living wage in Houston is $18.05 an hour.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated median household income in Houston at the end of 2023 was around $62,894 per year, $5,241.16 per month or about $32.69 per hour. 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 is Housing in Houston, TX?

Houston is relatively affordable for a metro area, although housing prices through Texas have risen since the pandemic. As of 2025, the median home price in the city is $247,900, making homeownership within reach for many locals. Home prices in Houston are significantly lower than the rest of the state and country, although it depends on what area you live in.

How Much Is Transportation in Houston, TX?

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 $10,206 per year on transportation as a single adult. A family of four (two working adults and two children) increases transportation costs to 17,120 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 $2.93 a gallon.

How Much Are Groceries in Houston, TX?

Houston is known as a food town, so plan accordingly. A single full-time working adult who cooks their meals and snacks spends around $3,436 a year on food in Houston. Keep in mind this is for a relatively no-frills diet. For a family of two working adults and two children, that cost rises to $10,099 a month.

If you want to eat out, you should plan at least $20 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 $72.50.

To get an idea of food prices, check on the basis. According to Numbeo, loaf of bread will run $2.71 around the city, a gallon of milk will cost $3.43, and a dozen eggs will cost you $3.64.

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.

How Much Is Childcare in Fairfax, VA?

If you have children, you'll also spend a significant amount of your monthly income on daycare. According to MIT data, the annual cost of childcare in Houston is currently $7,080 a year, which is significantly lower than other metro areas. For two children, that cost goes up to $13,609. You can save on daycare costs by looking in areas without wait lists or getting creative with a remote schedule or working around your significan other.

Daycare in Fairfax often comes with wait lists and can fluctuate depending on what area you live in. Settling into an expensive neighborhood will mean your daycare costs will also rise. You can consider lowering your costs by looking into a hybrid work schedule or a nanny share with other parents looking for financial relief.

Houston Healthcare Costs

Medical care is also an important consideration to your budget. 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 $3,128 per year for healthcare for a single full-time working adult and $10,760 a year for a family of two working adults and two children.

How Much Are Utilities in Houston, TX?

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 $193.46 per month in Houston. That's right around the national average of $206.75.

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 $124.90 That’ll bring your total to $318.36 per month.

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 $36.77 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 $15 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.

How Much Are Taxes in Houston, TX?

There's good news for Houston (and Texas) locals: The state of Texas doesn’t have any state or local personal income taxes, which can save you a bundle come tax time.

However, iales 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%.

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

Find Your Next Apartment in Houston, TX

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 2025

How expensive is an apartment in Houston?

The overall median rent in Houston is currently $1,286 a month. The most expensive apartment is a two-bedroom at $1,345 a month. The cheapest rent is a one-bedroom at $1,135 a month.

What is the cheapest rent in Houston?

the cheapest rent in Houston is a one-bedroom apartment at $1,135 a month. A two-bedroom apartment is more expensive at $1,345 a month.

How expensive is it to live in Houston?

The cost of living in Houston is relatively affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in Houston costs a median of $1,135 a month to rent. An adult spends an average of $3,436 a year on food, $10,206 a year on transportation, $3,128 on medical care, and $7,080 on one child in daycare a year.

Is Houston cheaper than Dallas?

Yes, Houston is currently cheaper than Dallas. A one-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,135 a month, and a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,207. A two-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,345 a month, and a two-bedroom apartment in Dallas is $1,429.

Is Houston cheaper than San Antonio?

San Antonio is somewhat less expensive than Houston. A one-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,135, and a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is $1,008. A two-bedroom apartment in Houston is $1,345, and a two-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is $1,242.

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?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Houston is 2,314,157. The entire state of Texas has over 31,290,831 people.

What is a good salary in Houston?

If you follow the 30% rule and spend no more than 30% of your income on rent, you would need around $51,440 a year, $4,286.66 a month, or $26.03 an hour to comfortably afford a one-bedroom apartment that costs $1,135 a month.

However, MIT's data shows the living wage in Houston is $18.05 an hour. This figure covers the bare necessities of housing, food and transportation but does not consider extras like dining out, travel, or debt repayments.

You can also look to the U.S. Census Bureau, to see the median household income in Houston is $62,894 per year, $5,241.16 per month or about $32.69 per hour.