Cost of Living in Houston, United States
United States · North America
$2,900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
76
Cost Index
NYC=100
72
Rent Index
NYC=100
65
Quality of Life
Good
44
Safety Index
Below Average
2.3M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $15 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $65 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $6 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $7 |
| Cappuccino | $5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1 |
| Bread (500g) | $3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $10 |
| Beef (1kg) | $14 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.6 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.25 |
| Monthly Pass | $65 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.95 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $31000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $140 |
| Mobile Plan | $60 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $70 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,600/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,000/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,900/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $5,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $5000 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
View Cost of Living in United States
Cost of Living in Houston — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Houston, United States is approximately $2,900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Houston has a cost index of 76, making it around 24% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Houston costs around $1,100/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,600/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,000/month. The rent index is 72 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Houston scores 65/100 on the quality of life index and 44/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 70/100. The climate index is 62/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Houston is approximately $5,000/month. With a purchasing power index of 88/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Houston
The average monthly salary in Houston is approximately $5,000. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 88/100.
Healthcare Costs in Houston
Healthcare quality in Houston is rated 70/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Houston
Houston has a quality of life score of 65/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Houston
Students living in Houston should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Houston
Expats moving to Houston often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Houston, United States is approximately $2,900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 76 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Houston
Living in Houston offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 76 and a quality of life score of 65/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $5,000 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Houston provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in United States and around the world.
Key Facts About Houston
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,900
- Cost Index: 76
- Rent Index: 72
- Average Salary: $5,000
- Quality of Life: 65/100
- Safety Score: 44/100
- Country: United States
- Currency: USD
Is Houston Expensive?
Houston has a cost index of 76 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Houston compare to other cities?
Houston is located in North America with a population of approximately 2.3M. At a cost index of 76 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Houston stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Houston?
The average cost of living in Houston, United States is approximately $2,900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 76 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Houston?
Rent in Houston varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 72 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Houston alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Houston expensive to live in?
Houston has a cost index of 76 compared to New York City (100). At 76, Houston is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,900.
What is the quality of life in Houston?
Houston has a quality of life index of 65/100 and a safety index of 44/100. The city is located in North America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Houston compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Houston with any city worldwide. Houston's cost index is 76 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Houston?
Many residents live comfortably in Houston with a monthly budget of around $2,900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Houston good for expats?
Houston is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Houston?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Houston.
Is Houston cheaper than New York?
Yes, Houston has a cost index of 76 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Houston?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Houston.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Houston
Cheapest Ways to Live in Houston
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Houston typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,100/month compared to $1,600/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Houston, United States.
Is Houston Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 88/100 and a quality of life score of 65/100, Houston is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 76 relative to New York City, Houston remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living United States has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Houston Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Houston", "Houston monthly expenses 2026", and "is Houston affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,900, a safety score of 44/100, and healthcare rated 70/100, Houston offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to United States.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026