Buy vs Rent in Houston, TX (2026)
Median home price $280K · 1BR rent $1,350/mo · Price-to-rent ratio 17.3x.
Median home price
$280K
1BR rent
$1,350/mo
Price-to-rent ratio
17.3x
Verdict
Neutral
Monthly cost of buying — 3 scenarios
30-year mortgage at 7% · Includes property tax, insurance, and maintenance estimates
| 3.5% down (FHA) | 10% down | 20% down (conventional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $9,800 | $28,000 | $56,000 |
| Mortgage (P&I) | $1,798/mo | $1,677/mo | $1,490/mo |
| Property tax (est.) | $257/mo | $257/mo | $257/mo |
| Insurance (est.) | $117/mo | $117/mo | $117/mo |
| Maintenance (est.) | $233/mo | $233/mo | $233/mo |
| Total monthly cost | $2,405vs rent: +$1,055/mo | $2,284vs rent: +$934/mo | $2,097vs rent: +$747/mo |
| Income to qualify | $77,057/yr | $71,871/yr | $63,857/yr |
| Break-even (approx.) | ~1 yrs | ~2 yrs | ~6 yrs |
Houston housing context
$56K
Median HH income
per year
$63,857
Income needed (20% down)
per year
+$8K
Affordability gap
vs median income
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to buy or rent in Houston?
Houston's price-to-rent ratio of 17.3x is in the neutral zone (15-20x). Whether to buy or rent depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and your personal finances.
How much do I need to earn to buy a home in Houston?
With a median home price of $280K in Houston, you'd need an annual income of roughly $63,857 to qualify with 20% down (at 7% rate, 28% housing ratio). With 10% down, you'd need about $71,871/year.
Houston full cost of living breakdownCheaper cities near HoustonHow much to retire in HoustonCompare mortgage rates
Mortgage at 7% 30-yr fixed · Property tax 1.1% est. · Maintenance 1% est. · Zillow, BLS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only