Cost of Living in Houston, TX
Population 2,300,419 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Houston is among the largest cities in Texas by population, with the kind of employment diversity and housing variation that comes with a major regional hub. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Houston
The median home value in Houston is $253,400 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,313/month, equal to than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,894/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 79.8°F and lows of 62.5°F. Overall, Houston has a cost of living index of 90 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 64 | 68 | 73 | 79 | 86 | 91 | 93 | 94 | 89 | 82 | 73 | 66 |
| Low °F | 46 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 69 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 73 | 64 | 54 | 48 |
| Precip" | 4.09 | 2.85 | 3.28 | 4.08 | 5.42 | 6.09 | 4.59 | 5.44 | 5.76 | 5.78 | 3.90 | 4.34 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX?
Houston has a cost index of 90 (100 = national average). It is 10% below the national average.
What is average rent in Houston, TX?
The median gross rent in Houston is $1,313 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Houston?
The median home value in Houston is $253,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Houston?
The median household income in Houston is $62,894 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Houston, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Houston is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Houston, TX affordable?
Houston is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 90 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Houston?
Houston has average high temperatures of 79.8°F and average lows of 62.5°F. Annual precipitation is 55.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Houston at a Glance
- Population
- 2,300,419
- Median Income
- $62,894
- Home Value
- $253,400
- Median Rent
- $1,313/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 79.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Nearby Cities
Compare Houston
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Texas Rankings
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