How much does it cost to live in Houston?

Typical monthly costs in Houston are approximately $1,400 in rent and $1,600 in other expenses, totalling around $3,000/month.

How much should I save in Houston?

Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023, people at mid-range incomes in United States typically save 12–20% of gross income. In a moderate cost city like Houston, housing costs can reduce this, particularly for renters.

Houston · USD · moderate cost city

Cost of living in Houston — is your salary enough?

Houston median rent is approximately $1,400/month, one of the lowest among major US metros. Houston's no-income-tax environment and low housing costs make it one of the best US cities for mid-income savings.

Rent in Houston

Budget$1,100 – $1,250/mo

Typical$1,400 – $1,600/mo

Premium$1,800+/mo

Other monthly costs

Food, transport, bills, going out~$1,600/mo

Total typical monthly spend~$3,000/mo

How different incomes stack up

At typical Houston costs ($1,400 rent)

$40,000 – $55,000→ saving 2.8%

Under-Saving

$55,000 – $75,000→ saving 22%

Ahead

$75,000 – $100,000→ saving 42.1%

Ahead

See your personal verdict for Houston

Country

Annual income (gross)$65,000

$20,000$235,000$450,000+

Monthly rent or mortgage$1,400/mo

$0$4,000$8,000+

Other monthly expenses

Food, transport, subscriptions, going out — everything except rent

$1,750/mo

$0$3,750$7,500+

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Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023. Figures in USD.

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Also in the Verdict suite

SalaryVerdict — Is your Houston salary competitive?SpendVerdict — Is your Houston rent too high?