Cost of Living in Houston, United States
United States · North America
Cost of Living in Houston: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Houston, United States is approximately $2,900 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 76, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$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
| 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% |
Cost of Living in Houston: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Houston, United States, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $2,900. The city's cost of living index is 76, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Houston
A typical monthly budget in Houston includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Houston
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $1,100 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,600. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,000 per month.
Average Salary in Houston
The average net salary in Houston is approximately $5,000 per month. Purchasing power is rated 88out of 100.
Is Houston Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 76,Houston is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Houston
Safety
Houston has a safety score of 44/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Houston is rated 70/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Houston is 62/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Houston has a purchasing power score of 88/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Houston
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Houston should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Houston fits their monthly budget.
Is Houston Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 76provides a useful benchmark when comparing Houston with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Houston
- Average Monthly Cost
- $2,900
- Cost Index
- 76
- Rent Index
- 72
- Average Net Salary
- $5,000
- Quality of Life
- 65/100
- Safety
- 44/100
- Healthcare
- 70/100
- Currency
- USD
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston
What is the cost of living in Houston?
The estimated cost of living in Houston, United States, is approximately $2,900 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Houston?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $1,100 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $1,600.
Is Houston expensive to live in?
Houston has a cost index of 76 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Houston?
The average net salary in Houston is approximately $5,000 per month.
Is Houston good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Houston is suitable for relocation.