Cost of Living in Houston, Texas, United States

Are you considering a move to Houston, Texas, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Houston, Texas is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Houston, Texas and help you understand whether $4205 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5231.21.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Houston, Texas, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

20.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

90.0 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

10.5 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

6.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

8.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

6.0 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.9 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

2.6 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.09 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

3.59 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

5.37 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

4.71 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

17.31 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

14.54 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

18.82 $

Apples (1 lb)

5.27 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.47 $

Oranges (1 lb)

4.25 $

Tomato (1 lb)

3.27 $

Potato (1 lb)

3.06 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.64 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.99 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

2.45 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

15.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.35 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.6 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

8.84 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.88 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

118.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

5.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

3.11 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

60.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.91 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

28250.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

26739.25 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

268.78 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

96.06 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

105.95 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

35.23 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

17.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1697.07 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

32805.56 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

66.33 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

67.55 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

122.1 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

173.48 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1907.83 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

1552.94 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

3877.94 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

2577.42 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

6008.0 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

3683.1 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

5231.21 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

7.14 %

Cost of Living in Houston, Texas, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Houston, Texas?

The monthly expenses for living in Houston, Texas come to a total of approximately $4205. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1907 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $316 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1208 per month.

How affordable is living in Houston, Texas?

Living in Houston, Texas appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5231.21. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Houston, Texas, you would likely need an income exceeding $5231.21.

What is the average salary in Houston, Texas?

In Houston, Texas, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5231.21, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Houston, Texas?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Houston, Texas is approximately $1907. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1552.94 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Houston, Texas?

The expense for groceries in Houston, Texas can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $835 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

Houston, Texas, United States

How Safe Is Houston, Texas, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Houston, Texas, United States

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium overall risk with a high crime rate that just keeps growing. In fact, 2022 was the first year for a murder victim memorial where city leaders didn't read all the names of the victims because it would have taken hours.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Metro is the public transportation system in Houston, offering bus routes and rail lines. There are more than 2,200 taxis and just as many, if not more, rideshares available. Finding a rental car is easy too. Due to various risks with any option, treat this as overall medium risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

More than 500 pickpockets and purse snatching happened in 2021, but that's a far cry from the 56,000 thefts that happened. You should always be on your guard because robbery rates are exceptionally high here, so if someone wants your stuff, they'll use any method necessary to get it. Cut the medium risk by keeping your belongings out of plain sight.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Houston faces a medium risk throughout the year, with flash flooding being one of the biggest challenges the city faces. Hurricane season can be devastating for this region, as we saw in August of 2017 with Hurricane Harvey. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are also possible.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

The robbery rate here is more than four times the national average. Never fight back against a robber. This is a city where even getting upset by another driver can lead to a shooting, much less fighting back against an armed robber.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

With the NASA presence, military locations, and massive population, there's a medium risk here. That risk comes with abundant security from local, state, and federal offices.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

The city website has a list of common scams here, and while there aren't any scams where tourists are specifically targeted, you should know what potential exists. This is a city where you simply can't trust anyone posing as a person in need or pushing you to make a purchase of any kind.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women face the same medium risk as men do. There might be parts of the city or times you're on the METRO system that might feel unsafe even if there isn't a present danger. The best way to avoid this is to travel in groups.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

There are six water systems that serve the Houston area. In the 2021 Water Quality Report, all requirements were met or exceeded. You should have heightened awareness of water quality if there is flooding happening just before or during your visit. The city will send out notices should a water quality issue happen.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Foreign travelers need a passport along with either a U.S. Visa or Visa Waiver. The U.S. State Department has a long list of details on how to get a visa. You should prepare at least four months in advance.

currency_exchange

Currency

You can only use the U.S. Dollar here as currency, and you want to avoid carrying cash in Houston. Don't use public ATMs to exchange currency. A credit card is the best option to protect against fraud.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

For the most part, you are escaping a harsh winter here, but you should still plan on a jacket and some sweatshirts or sweaters. Jeans will be comfortable most of the year but might feel too heavy in the humid summers. Bring comfortable walking shoes, bug spray, and sunscreen. The sun can be very intense here, especially in the spring and summer.

flight_takeoff

Airports

The Houston Airport System provides two commercial options - Bush Intercontinental Airport on the north side of the city and Hobby Airport on the south side.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must when this area can experience so many flight delays or cancelations due to weather. Any trip to a medical facility will cost a lot out of pocket, so look into health travel insurance too.

Houston, Texas, United States

What about weather in Houston, Texas, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 64°F 68°F 74°F 79°F 86°F 91°F 94°F 94°F 90°F 82°F 73°F 66°F
Temp 54°F 57°F 63°F 70°F 77°F 82°F 84°F 85°F 80°F 73°F 63°F 56°F
Low 47°F 50°F 56°F 63°F 70°F 75°F 77°F 77°F 73°F 65°F 56°F 49°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 17°C 20°C 23°C 26°C 30°C 32°C 34°C 34°C 32°C 27°C 22°C 18°C
Temp 12°C 13°C 17°C 21°C 25°C 27°C 28°C 29°C 26°C 22°C 17°C 13°C
Low 8°C 10°C 13°C 17°C 21°C 23°C 25°C 25°C 22°C 18°C 13°C 9°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in United States with Houston, Texas

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries