Cost of Living in Houston, TX - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,101 (excluding rent), and $2,591 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,694 (excluding rent), and $5,248 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.19 $20.19

$15.15 $15.15

$45.44 $45.44

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$78.7 $78.7

$49.17 $49.17

$123 $123

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.11 $10.11

$8.09 $8.09

$12.13 $12.13

Cappuccino

$5.40 $5.40

$3.93 $3.93

$6.88 $6.88

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.71 $2.71

$1.95 $1.95

$3.41 $3.41

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.10 $2.10

$1.96 $1.96

$2.94 $2.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.15 $6.15

$3.07 $3.07

$10.25 $10.25

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.83 $6.83

$5.12 $5.12

$9.75 $9.75

Milk (1 liter)

$0.96 $0.96

$0.69 $0.69

$1.24 $1.24

White Bread (500g)

$3.10 $3.10

$1.12 $1.12

$5.62 $5.62

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.53 $3.53

$2.04 $2.04

$6.65 $6.65

Eggs

$4.15 $4.15

$1.99 $1.99

$6.98 $6.98

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.97 $12.97

$6.70 $6.70

$22.34 $22.34

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.17 $12.17

$6.42 $6.42

$17.71 $17.71

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.49 $17.49

$10.39 $10.39

$31.21 $31.21

Apples (1kg)

$4.11 $4.11

$2.12 $2.12

$6.54 $6.54

Banana (1kg)

$1.39 $1.39

$1.06 $1.06

$4.47 $4.47

Oranges (1kg)

$4.02 $4.02

$1.56 $1.56

$7.36 $7.36

Tomato (1kg)

$2.51 $2.51

$1.49 $1.49

$4.33 $4.33

Potato (1kg)

$2.92 $2.92

$0.90 $0.90

$4.52 $4.52

Onion (1kg)

$2.36 $2.36

$1.33 $1.33

$3.54 $3.54

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.85 $1.85

$1.02 $1.02

$2.55 $2.55

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.16 $2.16

$0.98 $0.98

$3.93 $3.93

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.85 $9.85

$7.88 $7.88

$10.83 $10.83

Wine (Bottle)

$12.68 $12.68

$9.14 $9.14

$25.40 $25.40

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.46 $1.46

$2.93 $2.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.67 $3.67

$1.55 $1.55

$5.82 $5.82

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.27 $1.27

$1.53 $1.53

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$76.2 $76.2

$66.2 $66.2

$88.3 $88.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.84 $3.84

$2.47 $2.47

$5.94 $5.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.82 $1.82

$1.34 $1.34

$1.82 $1.82

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.56 $29.56

$26.60 $26.60

$39.41 $39.41

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.79 $0.79

$0.69 $0.69

$0.96 $0.96

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$32.3K $32.3K

$23.5K $23.5K

$41.7K $41.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$24.4K $24.4K

$28.2K $28.2K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$196 $196

$130 $130

$355 $355

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$62.9 $62.9

$25.02 $25.02

$130 $130

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$65.5 $65.5

$49.99 $49.99

$100.0 $100.0

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.67 $38.67

$14.91 $14.91

$89.5 $89.5

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$10.68 $10.68

Cinema Ticket

$14.97 $14.97

$11.97 $11.97

$17.96 $17.96

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,249 $1,249

$844 $844

$1,637 $1,637

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$19.1K $19.1K

$10.9K $10.9K

$23.2K $23.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.83 $46.83

$25.24 $25.24

$70.7 $70.7

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$44.74 $44.74

$20.23 $20.23

$75.9 $75.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$97.4 $97.4

$54.6 $54.6

$149 $149

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$123 $123

$74.6 $74.6

$199 $199

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,674 $1,674

$1,214 $1,214

$2,023 $2,023

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,250 $1,250

$981 $981

$1,668 $1,668

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,085 $3,085

$2,371 $2,371

$4,051 $4,051

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,447 $2,447

$1,946 $1,946

$3,291 $3,291

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,532 $2,532

$2,185 $2,185

$3,177 $3,177

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,912 $1,912

$1,788 $1,788

$2,552 $2,552

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,545 $4,545

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.44

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 1, 2026

Houston, TX Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Houston, TX - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many large U.S. metros, Cost of Living in Houston, TX, United States tends to be more approachable for long stays if you optimize housing and food. You can find practical neighborhoods with varying price points, from lively urban cores to calmer suburban pockets. Expect a broad mix of dining options, coworking spaces, and activities that keep daily life affordable without sacrificing convenience. The climate means seasons matter more for energy use than for prices, and you can tailor your setup to your budget. Tip: map a neighborhood that balances commute and amenities to keep costs predictable.

Housing search usually centers on proximity to work or study hubs and access to transit or bike routes. Food comes with a rich mix of grocery stores, farmers markets, and international options, making meals flexible on any budget. For transport, cars are common, but buses and light rail offer alternatives; plan for variable travel times during peak heat. Errands and co-working spaces are plentiful, with many neighborhoods offering varied options. Houston, TX, United States living cost varies by area, but flexible choices help you keep daily life doable. Tip: start near transit lines or parks to reduce daily costs.

Use a simple budgeting framework that separates housing, essentials, and discretionary spending. Expect heat in summer and milder winters; plan energy use and wardrobe accordingly. For neighborhood fit, consider access to parks, schools, and nightlife that suit your pace and social life. Seek seasonal deals on utilities, groceries, and services, and leverage community networks or coworking groups to share resources. With the city’s diversity, you can tailor a lifestyle that emphasizes value – whether you prefer calm residential pockets or a vibrant urban core. Tip: trial a neighborhood during different seasons to test comfort and costs.