Cost of living - Houston

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Houston in 2024?

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What is the average monthly cost of living in Houston?

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!

Living in Houston (Oct 2023)

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).

Houston Org (Oct 2023)

Cost of rent in Houston, CA

Area/Neighborhood

1-bed apartment

3-bed apartment

Houston (Outside of Center)

$1,418.88

$2,453.13

Numbeo (Oct 2023)

Cost of buying a property in Houston

Area/Neighborhood

Average home price 

Houston

$264,789

Zillow (Oct 2023)

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

Numbeo (Oct 2023)

What is the average monthly cost of utilities in Houston?
The average monthly cost of utilities in Houston is $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

Numbeo (Oct 2023)

What is the average monthly cost of groceries in Houston?
The average monthly cost of groceries in Houston is $265.52.

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

Ride Metro (Oct 2023)

How much does a monthly transit pass cost in Houston?
The monthly transit pass costs in Houston is $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.

Houston Org (Oct 2023)

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)

What is the average monthly cost of employee-sponsored health insurance in Houston?
The monthly cost of employee-sponsored health insurance in Houston is $130.75.

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

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Selina Cifelli

The author

Selina is a motivated marketing intern with a keen interest in developing engaging content related to moving experiences and city life. With a passion for fashion and traveling, she brings a fresh perspective to our readers. Her talent for crafting innovative written material effectively positions MovingWaldo as a trusted resource for hassle-free and efficient moves.
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