Cost of Living in Houston, Texas (2026)
COL Index
95
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,350
per month
Median HHI
$56K
per year
State Tax
None
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Houston |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,050 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,350 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,700 |
| Median home price | $280K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 94 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $50 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $90 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10 |
| Car insurance/mo | $190 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $175 |
| Internet/mo | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $56K |
| State income tax rate | 0.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 95 |
| Walk score / 100 | 49 |
Is Houston affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,728/mo take-home
49% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$3,160/mo take-home
43% rent burden · Tight
$60K
~$3,793/mo take-home
36% rent burden · Tight
$75K
~$4,741/mo take-home
28% rent burden · Manageable
$80K
~$5,057/mo take-home
27% rent burden · Comfortable
$100K
~$6,321/mo take-home
21% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$7,155/mo take-home
19% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,944/mo take-home
15% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only