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

79.27
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,100 (excluding rent), and $2,541 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,700 (excluding rent), and $5,318 including rent.
Currency
Do you live in Houston, TX? Add cost details
๐Ÿฝ Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.97 $19.97
$14.98 $14.98
$44.93 $44.93
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$79.4 $79.4
$49.61 $49.61
$124 $124
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.08 $10.08
$8.07 $8.07
$12.1 $12.1
Cappuccino
$5.64 $5.64
$4.1 $4.1
$7.17 $7.17
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.75 $2.75
$1.98 $1.98
$3.46 $3.46
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.13 $2.13
$1.98 $1.98
$2.97 $2.97
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.17 $6.17
$3.09 $3.09
$10.28 $10.28
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.03 $7.03
$5.27 $5.27
$10.04 $10.04
๐Ÿ›’ Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.88 $0.88
$0.63 $0.63
$1.14 $1.14
White Bread (500g)
$3.03 $3.03
$1.1 $1.1
$5.49 $5.49
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.61 $3.61
$2.09 $2.09
$6.8 $6.8
Eggs
$4.06 $4.06
$1.95 $1.95
$6.83 $6.83
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.7 $12.7
$6.56 $6.56
$21.87 $21.87
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.35 $12.35
$6.51 $6.51
$17.97 $17.97
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$17.24 $17.24
$10.24 $10.24
$30.77 $30.77
Apples (1kg)
$4.26 $4.26
$2.19 $2.19
$6.77 $6.77
Banana (1kg)
$1.34 $1.34
$1.01 $1.01
$4.3 $4.3
Oranges (1kg)
$3.89 $3.89
$1.51 $1.51
$7.11 $7.11
Tomato (1kg)
$2.51 $2.51
$1.49 $1.49
$4.33 $4.33
Potato (1kg)
$2.82 $2.82
$0.87 $0.87
$4.36 $4.36
Onion (1kg)
$2.33 $2.33
$1.31 $1.31
$3.49 $3.49
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.79 $1.79
$0.98 $0.98
$2.46 $2.46
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.19 $2.19
$0.99 $0.99
$3.98 $3.98
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$10.15 $10.15
$8.12 $8.12
$11.15 $11.15
Wine (Bottle)
$13.09 $13.09
$9.09 $9.09
$25.26 $25.26
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.99 $1.99
$1.42 $1.42
$2.84 $2.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.76 $3.76
$1.59 $1.59
$5.97 $5.97
๐ŸšŒ Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.28 $1.28
$1.28 $1.28
$1.53 $1.53
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$75.3 $75.3
$65.4 $65.4
$87.3 $87.3
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.83 $3.83
$2.47 $2.47
$5.93 $5.93
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.81 $1.81
$1.34 $1.34
$1.81 $1.81
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$29.93 $29.93
$26.93 $26.93
$39.9 $39.9
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.73 $0.73
$0.63 $0.63
$0.88 $0.88
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33K $33K
$24K $24K
$42.7K $42.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.1K $25.1K
$23.7K $23.7K
$27.3K $27.3K
๐Ÿงพ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$196 $196
$129 $129
$354 $354
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$63.2 $63.2
$25.14 $25.14
$131 $131
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$64.8 $64.8
$49.42 $49.42
$98.9 $98.9
๐ŸŽ‰ Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$38.68 $38.68
$14.91 $14.91
$89.5 $89.5
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.03 $11.03
-
Cinema Ticket
$14.73 $14.73
$11.79 $11.79
$17.68 $17.68
๐Ÿงธ Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,265 $1,265
$855 $855
$1,659 $1,659
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$18.6K $18.6K
$10.6K $10.6K
$22.6K $22.6K
๐Ÿ‘•๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$47.07 $47.07
$25.37 $25.37
$71 $71
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$43.56 $43.56
$19.7 $19.7
$73.9 $73.9
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$98.4 $98.4
$55.2 $55.2
$150 $150
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$125 $125
$76 $76
$203 $203
๐Ÿ  Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,631 $1,631
$1,182 $1,182
$1,970 $1,970
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,260 $1,260
$989 $989
$1,681 $1,681
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$3,078 $3,078
$2,366 $2,366
$4,041 $4,041
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,435 $2,435
$1,936 $1,936
$3,274 $3,274
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,704 $2,704
$2,302 $2,302
$3,288 $3,288
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,941 $1,941
$1,833 $1,833
$2,491 $2,491
๐Ÿ’ต Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$4,611 $4,611
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.44
6
7
Citycost data is based on AI and user input โ€“ minor inaccuracies may occur.
City tags:
Cost of Living in Houston, TX - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Houston compare for overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
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.
What does daily life look like for housing search, food, transport, and errands in Houston?
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.
How can you frame budgeting for quality of life, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in Houston?
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 cityโ€™s diversity, you can tailor a lifestyle that emphasizes value โ€“ whether you prefer calm residential pockets or a vibrant urban core. Tip: trial a neighborhood during different seasons to test comfort and costs.
Join the CityCost newsletter โ€“ low traffic, no spam, and easy to unsubscribe. Your email stays private.