Cost of living in Houston, Texas
Harris County, TX
Part of the Houston Metro Area
Population 4,758,579 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Houston
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Houston
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Houston
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Houston
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Houston
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Houston
State and local tax rates for Texas.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Houston
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Houston
What it costs to live in Houston each month.
- Rent $1,279
- Energy $199
- Water $55
- Groceries $334
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $518
- State tax $0
- Rent $1,529
- Energy $239
- Water $65
- Groceries $553
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $866
- State tax $0
- Rent $2,038
- Energy $298
- Water $75
- Groceries $840
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $866
- State tax $0
Frequently asked questions about Houston
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Houston?
In Houston, Texas, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,279 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,529 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,038 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Houston?
In Houston, Texas, the average household income is $73,104 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $41,738 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Houston?
The estimated cost of living in Houston, Texas is approximately $3,185 per month for a single person, $4,536 for a couple, $7,187 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Houston?
The combined sales tax rate in Houston, Texas is 8.19%, which includes the Texas state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 1.94%.
Is Houston an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Houston, Texas would need approximately $3,185 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $73,104 per year ($6,092 per month). Houston has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Houston?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Houston, Texas is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 21.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Houston?
The average home value in Houston, Texas is $255,000, with average annual property taxes of $4,382, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Houston compare to other areas?
You can compare Houston, Texas with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Houston is in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area.
Other counties in Texas
Browse the full list of counties in Texas, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in TexasCompare Houston with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP