The average cost of living in Houston is $2,262.83 per month.
Houston is known internationally as a hub for both performing and visual arts. It boasts a large international community, housing some of the best neighborhoods, and has become the most diverse metropolitan city in the U.S. Due to its low cost of living, thousands of new residents move here in pursuit of an improved lifestyle.
Living as a working professional in Houston is made easier by its robust job market. You’ll discover that everything comes at a more reasonable price compared to other areas in the United States. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about the cost of living in Houston!
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including Ride Metro and City of Houston. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Cost of Living in Houston, TX – 2024
Housing costs in Houston
Houston’s housing costs are the second most affordable among the largest U.S. metros, at 17.3 percent below the national average, according to the C2ER Cost of Living Index for 2023 Q2. Additionally, housing costs in Houston are 84.4 percent below the average of the most populous U.S. metros. This lower housing cost contributes to Houston’s overall living costs being 28.8 percent below the large-metro average. (This housing index is based on 68.3 percent homeownership and 31.7 percent rental occupancy).
Cost of rent in Houston, CA
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Houston (Outside of Center) |
$1,418.88 |
$2,453.13 |
Cost of buying a property in Houston
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Houston |
$264,789 |
Utility costs in Houston: Internet, electricity and water
Whether you own a house or pay rent, you must cover the utility cost. However, Houston’s utility cost is higher than in the rest of the United States due to the hot summer and humidity.
|
Utilities |
Cost |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$237.45 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$84.70 |
|
Total |
$322.15 |
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Grocery costs in Houston
The grocery cost in Houston is affordable, and the grocery is generally not taxed. The prices of everyday food products such as eggs, milk, and bread are similar to what you find in the rest of the United States.
A single person in Houston may spend around $265.52 monthly on groceries.
|
Grocery items in Houston |
Cost |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$3.98 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$3.17 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$2.21 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$4.71 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$6.84 |
|
Chicken Filets (1 lb) |
$5.71 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$7.96 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$2.30 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$0.64 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$1.90 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$1.57 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$1.42 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$1.18 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$2.01 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$15.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$2.15 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$3.63 |
Public transit in Houston
Houston has good public transportation. It has the Metropolitan Transit Authority, is renowned for having one of the nation’s best and safest bus systems. It boasts an extensive network of over 1,200 buses, including Express routes, and is expanding its light-rail service.
|
Type of fare |
Rate |
|
Single ticket |
$1.25 |
|
Daily pass |
$3.00 |
|
Monthly pass |
$80.00 |
Entertainment costs in Houston
Houston entertains everyone with food, beautiful parks, and shopping. Houston is a museum lover’s paradise, with more than 150 museums and cultural institutions in the Greater Houston area, making them a significant part of the city’s cultural scene.
For sports lovers, the town offers green space and biking. It is also famous as an international food city and provides various food options, including Tex Mex, BBQ, crawfish, tamales, and tacos.
|
Entertainment in Houston |
Cost |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$40.00 |
|
Taxi 1h |
$50.00 |
|
1 cinema ticket |
$15.00 |
|
Total |
$105.00 |
Houmuse Org (Oct 2023) & Numbeo (Oct 2023)
Sales tax in Houston
In Texas, there’s a 6.25% state sales and use tax on most things you buy and services you use. Local areas can add up to 2.0% more in taxes, making the total rate 8.25%. For example, in Houston, Texas, the city adds 1.0% and the county’s transit authority adds another 1.0%, so you pay 8.25% in total.
Healthcare costs in Houston
Texas residents are not obligated to have health insurance by state law, and there is no federal mandate under the Affordable Care Act. Texas utilizes the federal exchange for health plans and has one of the nation’s highest enrollment rates.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$130.75 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$186.33 |
|
Gym |
$71.28 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Oct 2023)
Conclusion
The cost of living in Houston is low. The city offers a robust job market, a great food scene, and top-notch universities. If you plan on moving to Houston, bear in mind that many neighborhoods are safe and quiet. If rightly budgeted, you can live in Houston in no time. The average cost of living in Houston is mentioned in the table below:
Are you planning to move soon? Check the best Houston movers to assist you.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,418.88 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($66.38 multiplied by 4) |
$265.52 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$237.45 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$84.70 |
|
Transit pass |
$80.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$105.00 |
|
Gym membership |
$71.28 |
|
Total |
$2,262.83 |
