Cost of Living in Houston, TX (2026) (2026)
Houston is a sprawling, diverse metropolis driven by energy, healthcare, and aerospace. Zero state income tax and low rents make it one of America's most affordable big cities, with the Texas Medical Center and NASA as anchor institutions.
Avg 1BR Rent
$1,250
Avg 2BR Rent
$1,550
State Tax
None
Median Income
$79,000
Affordability Rating
Tight$1,750/mo rent on $70K in Houston
Rent Affordability by Salary in Houston
| Salary | Take-Home | Max Rent (30%) | After Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50k | $3,524 | $1,250 | $939 | Fair | $50k in Houston |
| $60k | $4,194 | $1,500 | $1,359 | Great Value | $60k in Houston |
| $70k | $4,804 | $1,750 | $1,719 | Great Value | $70k in Houston |
| $80k | $5,390 | $2,000 | $2,055 | Great Value | $80k in Houston |
| $90k | $5,976 | $2,250 | $2,391 | Great Value | $90k in Houston |
| $100k | $6,563 | $2,500 | $2,728 | Great Value | $100k in Houston |
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Houston
Living in Houston: What to Expect
Houston is massive, multicultural, and unapologetically car-oriented. The food scene rivals any coastal city—Vietnamese crawfish, Tex-Mex breakfast tacos, and Nigerian suya all within a single zip code.
Best Neighborhoods for Renters
Montrose and the Heights offer walkable pockets with character, while Sugar Land and Katy provide affordable suburban family living. EaDo (East Downtown) is the up-and-coming creative district.
Getting Around
Houston is built for cars, and the commute culture is real. The Metro light rail covers a small footprint downtown, but most residents drive everywhere.