Cost Of Living in Houston 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Houston
Whether you're living in Houston or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: USD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: USD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: USD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: USD
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: USD
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Houston is 4,600 USD. Expenses can range from 660 USD at the minimum level to 31,000 USD at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Houston is 7,700 USD. Expenditure can range from 2,600 USD to 41,000 USD per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Houston is 10,000 USD per month. Families spend anywhere from 3,600 USD to 66,000 USD.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Houston is 3,300 USD. Students spend from 510 USD to 22,000 USD per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Houston
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 16,000 USD | 31,000 USD | 42,000 USD |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
| 100 USD | 350 USD | 2,300 USD |
Utility Bill - Family
| 180 USD | 510 USD | 3,300 USD |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 610 USD | 910 USD | 2,400 USD |
1-bedroom apartment
| 910 USD | 1,500 USD | 3,600 USD |
2-bedroom apartment
| 1,200 USD | 1,800 USD | 4,900 USD |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 120,000 USD | 180,000 USD | 360,000 USD |
1-bedroom apartment
| 150,000 USD | 240,000 USD | 910,000 USD |
2-bedroom apartment
| 240,000 USD | 730,000 USD | 1.5M USD |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
| 630 USD | 780 USD | 1,000 USD |
Double Bed
Single Bed
Living Room
| 700 USD | 900 USD | 3,100 USD |
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch
| 420 USD | 570 USD | 1,300 USD |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 420 USD | 630 USD | 1,300 USD |
Fridge or Freezer
Washing Machine
| 480 USD | 700 USD | 1,300 USD |
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
Laptop or Computer
| 570 USD | 700 USD | 1,300 USD |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Houston
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
97%
86% to 110%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 7% |
| 50% - 60% | 13% |
| 60% - 70% | 19% |
| 70% - 80% | 27% |
| 80% - 90% | 14% |
| 90% - 100% | 8% |
| 100% - 110% | 5% |
| 110% - 120% | 3% |
| 120% - 130% | 2% |
| 130% - 140% | 1% |
| > 140% | 1% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Houston is 97%
This means that on average, people spend around 97% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
78%
98%
Couple
92%
Spending-Income-Ratio
82%
100%
Family
100%
Spending-Income-Ratio
91%
110%
How do people spend their money in Houston?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure28%
28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)
| LOW | 150 USD |
| AVERAGE | 2,000 USD |
| HIGH | 20,000 USD |
| Per Month |
People living in Houston typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 2,000 USD with expenditure ranging from 150 USD to 20,000 USD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | 26 USD |
| AVERAGE | 330 USD |
| HIGH | 3,300 USD |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Houston ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 330 USD with 26 USD and 3,300 USD being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute9%
9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)
| LOW | 51 USD |
| AVERAGE | 660 USD |
| HIGH | 6,600 USD |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 51 USD to 6,600 USD on commuting with 660 USD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.
Food and Groceries Cost26%
26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)
| LOW | 130 USD |
| AVERAGE | 1,700 USD |
| HIGH | 17,000 USD |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Houston is 1,700 USD. The cost of groceries can range between 130 USD to 17,000 USD. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services8%
8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | 36 USD |
| AVERAGE | 470 USD |
| HIGH | 4,700 USD |
| Per Month |
People in Houston allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 36 USD to 4,700 USD with 470 USD being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping6%
6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)
| LOW | 20 USD |
| AVERAGE | 270 USD |
| HIGH | 2,700 USD |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 20 USD to 2,700 USD with 270 USD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.
Education and Schooling6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)
| LOW | 31 USD |
| AVERAGE | 400 USD |
| HIGH | 4,000 USD |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 400 USD per month with 31 USD being the minimum spent amount and 4,000 USD being the maximum.
Other Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)
| LOW | 66 USD |
| AVERAGE | 860 USD |
| HIGH | 8,600 USD |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Houston every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Houston manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 86% of the surveyed people in Houston said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 14% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Houston
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 91% | 8.8% |
| Couples | 85% | 15% |
| Families | 79% | 21% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
| 220 USD | 2,800 USD | 28,000 USD |
For most people, 17% to 41% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 29% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,800 USD on average with savings ranging from 220 USD to 28,000 USD.
91% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 85% of couples said the same. 79% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Houston?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
| 220 USD | 2,000 USD | 13,000 USD |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 27% |
| 10% - 20% | 21% |
| 20% - 30% | 15% |
| 30% - 40% | 18% |
| 40% - 50% | 14% |
| > 50% | 5% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 21% to 44% of their monthly income to savings, with 34% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 2,000 USD with 220 USD and 13,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
| 1,100 USD | 3,300 USD | 17,000 USD |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 31% |
| 10% - 20% | 23% |
| 20% - 30% | 18% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 40% - 50% | 11% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 18% to 43% of their monthly income, with 32% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 3,300 USD with 1,100 USD and 17,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
| 1,500 USD | 4,400 USD | 28,000 USD |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 34% |
| 10% - 20% | 26% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 10% |
| 40% - 50% | 8% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Houston can save anywhere between 16% to 39% of their monthly income, with 27% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 4,400 USD with 1,500 USD and 28,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Houston
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Houston. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 7% |
| High Expenses | 10% |
| Debt and Loans | 20% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 10% |
| Impulsive Spending | 8% |
| Financial Emergencies | 6% |
| Living the moment | 7% |
| Will do it later | 15% |
| Inflation | 9% |
| Social Pressure | 4% |
| Market Instability | 3% |
Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 20% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 8% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 15% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 9% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Houston
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 10% |
| Gold | 9% |
| Savings Accounts | 18% |
| Retirement Accounts | 12% |
| Cash Savings | 14% |
| Real Estate | 10% |
| Investment | 6% |
| Stocks | 7% |
| Bonds | 7% |
| Mutual Funds | 3% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 4% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Houston
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Houston?
Around 100% of surveyed residents think that living in Houston is affordable with proper budgeting while 0.40% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Houston
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options77%
Few low-cost options24%
Based on the survey, 77% of the people living in Houston have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 24% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Houston whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes97%
No2.8%
Based on the survey, 2.8% of the people living in Houston said that they don't have an emergency fund while 97% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in United States
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy77%
We asked residents of United States whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 23% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 77% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of United States have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 19% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 81% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance19%
Easily manages finances81%
Financial goals of people in Houston
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Houston, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 6% |
| Debt Reduction | 28% |
| Retirement Savings | 6% |
| Education Funding | 9% |
| Homeownership | 16% |
| Investing | 10% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 13% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 7% |
| Financial Independence | 10% |
Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 28% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 6% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 10% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 13% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 7% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Houston
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Houston and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in United States is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Houston:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 19,000 USD |
| 30 | 38,000 USD |
| 35 | 66,000 USD |
| 40 | 95,000 USD |
| 45 | 140,000 USD |
| 50 | 200,000 USD |
| 55 | 240,000 USD |
| 60 | 290,000 USD |
| 65 | 350,000 USD |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Houston about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 14% |
| Savings | 21% |
| Investments | 14% |
| Social Security | 9% |
| Annuities | 9% |
| Part-time Job | 8% |
| Real Estate | 16% |
| Dividends and Interest | 9% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Houston | 370 USD | 3,300 USD | 22,000 USD |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Houston
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 29% of the people in Houston have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 71% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Houston
Debt to income ratio
30%
18% to 43%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 30% of the people's monthly income in Houston goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 2% |
| 50% - 60% | 9% |
| 40% - 50% | 10% |
| 30% - 40% | 12% |
| 20% - 30% | 17% |
| 10% - 20% | 21% |
| 0% - 10% | 29% |
According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Houston pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 9% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 17% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Houston
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 15% |
| Auto Loan | 26% |
| Student Loan | 3% |
| Credit Card | 23% |
| Personal Loan | 34% |
15% of debtors in Houston confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 23% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 26% of people and personal loans rose at 34%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Houston.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Houston
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Houston how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 57% |
| Once a year | 21% |
| Twice a year | 11% |
| Three times a year | 8% |
| Four times a year | 3% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Houston
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Houston
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 610 USD | 910 USD | 2,400 USD |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 910 USD | 1,500 USD | 3,600 USD |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,200 USD | 1,800 USD | 4,900 USD |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,500 USD | 2,400 USD | 6,600 USD |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,900 USD | 7,300 USD | 15,000 USD |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 2,400 USD | 3,600 USD | 10,000 USD |
House monthly rent cost
| 2,900 USD | 7,300 USD | 15,000 USD |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 3,600 USD | 9,100 USD | 15,000 USD |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Houston ranges between 610 USD and 2,400 USD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 910 USD to 3,600 USD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,200 USD and 4,900 USD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,500 USD to 6,600 USD. The average rent of a townhouse in Houston is around 3,600 USD while house rental costs can be as high as 7,300 USD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,600 USD to 15,000 USD per month.
Apartment and house prices in Houston
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 120,000 USD | 180,000 USD | 360,000 USD |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 150,000 USD | 240,000 USD | 910,000 USD |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 240,000 USD | 730,000 USD | 1.5M USD |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 810,000 USD | 1.2M USD | 3.6M USD |
Townhouse price
House price
| 1.2M USD | 7.3M USD | 10M USD |
Villa price
| 1.5M USD | 8.1M USD | 12M USD |
The average price of a studio apartment in Houston can range from 120,000 USD to 360,000 USD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 150,000 USD to 910,000 USD. A villa can cost you 8.1M USD on average with prices ranging from 1.5M USD to 12M USD.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Houston will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 60 | x177 monthly income | 277 |
Property prices in Houston can be x177 to x277 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x177 multiples of the average monthly salary in Houston.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Houston is around 43%. This means that people pay 43% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 30% to 55% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
40% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Houston
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Houston
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
| 100 USD | 350 USD | 2,300 USD |
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 180 USD | 510 USD | 3,300 USD |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Houston ranges between 39 USD and 1,800 USD with average being 280 USD, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 350 USD with 100 USD and 2,300 USD being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 510 USD. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 31 USD to 84 USD with 63 USD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 42 USD but can range between 25 USD and 130 USD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Houston is around 4.9%. This means that people pay 4.9% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1.2% to 9.7% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Houston
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Houston
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Houston is approximatly 13 USD with meal cost ranging from 6.3 USD to 21 USD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 23 USD and 68 USD with 34 USD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Houston.
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 45 USD to 270 USD with the average cost being 68 USD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Houston.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Houston is around 8.4 USD. Price ranges between 5.2 USD and 13 USD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Houston is 5 USD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 6.3 USD and the minimum being 4.2 USD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 4.2 USD on average with 3.1 USD and 6.3 USD being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Houston is between 7.1 USD and 13 USD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 9.2 USD.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 13 USD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Houston costs around 4.6 USD on average with prices rangeing between 3.4 USD and 6.5 USD depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.3 USD to 3.1 USD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 2.9 USD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Houston is around 29%. This means that people spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 37% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 740 USD per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 110 USD and 4,900 USD depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 1,100 USD per month. That number can be get as low as 360 USD or a high as 5,700 USD. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 640 USD to 12,000 USD with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Houston
Housing cost for a single person34%
34% of total expenses on average (22% to 46%)
| LOW | 240 USD |
| AVERAGE | 1,700 USD |
| HIGH | 11,000 USD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)
| LOW | 39 USD |
| AVERAGE | 280 USD |
| HIGH | 1,800 USD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)
| LOW | 53 USD |
| AVERAGE | 370 USD |
| HIGH | 2,500 USD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)
| LOW | 110 USD |
| AVERAGE | 740 USD |
| HIGH | 4,900 USD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost10%
10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)
| LOW | 59 USD |
| AVERAGE | 410 USD |
| HIGH | 2,800 USD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure4%
4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | 33 USD |
| AVERAGE | 230 USD |
| HIGH | 1,500 USD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | 13 USD |
| AVERAGE | 92 USD |
| HIGH | 610 USD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | 120 USD |
| AVERAGE | 830 USD |
| HIGH | 5,500 USD |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Houston
Housing cost for a couple31%
31% of total expenses on average (24% to 41%)
| LOW | 870 USD |
| AVERAGE | 2,600 USD |
| HIGH | 14,000 USD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | 100 USD |
| AVERAGE | 350 USD |
| HIGH | 2,300 USD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost11%
11% of total expenses on average (5% to 16%)
| LOW | 310 USD |
| AVERAGE | 920 USD |
| HIGH | 4,900 USD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost15%
15% of total expenses on average (10% to 20%)
| LOW | 360 USD |
| AVERAGE | 1,100 USD |
| HIGH | 5,700 USD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | 280 USD |
| AVERAGE | 840 USD |
| HIGH | 4,500 USD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | 150 USD |
| AVERAGE | 460 USD |
| HIGH | 2,500 USD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)
| LOW | 51 USD |
| AVERAGE | 150 USD |
| HIGH | 820 USD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses18%
18% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | 430 USD |
| AVERAGE | 1,300 USD |
| HIGH | 7,000 USD |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Houston
Housing cost for a family30%
30% of total expenses on average (25% to 40%)
| LOW | 1,100 USD |
| AVERAGE | 3,300 USD |
| HIGH | 21,000 USD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)
| LOW | 180 USD |
| AVERAGE | 510 USD |
| HIGH | 3,300 USD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 9%)
| LOW | 360 USD |
| AVERAGE | 1,000 USD |
| HIGH | 6,600 USD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 25%)
| LOW | 640 USD |
| AVERAGE | 1,800 USD |
| HIGH | 12,000 USD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | 320 USD |
| AVERAGE | 1,000 USD |
| HIGH | 5,300 USD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | 180 USD |
| AVERAGE | 510 USD |
| HIGH | 3,300 USD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (7% to 22%)
| LOW | 500 USD |
| AVERAGE | 1,400 USD |
| HIGH | 9,300 USD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)
| LOW | 290 USD |
| AVERAGE | 820 USD |
| HIGH | 5,300 USD |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Houston
Housing costs for Student22%
22% of total expenses on average (17% to 28%)
| LOW | 120 USD |
| AVERAGE | 790 USD |
| HIGH | 5,300 USD |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 9%)
| LOW | 20 USD |
| AVERAGE | 130 USD |
| HIGH | 880 USD |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost6%
6% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | 36 USD |
| AVERAGE | 230 USD |
| HIGH | 1,500 USD |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 25%)
| LOW | 100 USD |
| AVERAGE | 660 USD |
| HIGH | 4,400 USD |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost7%
7% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | 31 USD |
| AVERAGE | 200 USD |
| HIGH | 1,300 USD |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (3% to 8%)
| LOW | 26 USD |
| AVERAGE | 160 USD |
| HIGH | 1,100 USD |
| Per Month |
Education Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)
| LOW | 97 USD |
| AVERAGE | 630 USD |
| HIGH | 4,200 USD |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (10% to 22%)
| LOW | 77 USD |
| AVERAGE | 490 USD |
| HIGH | 3,300 USD |
| Per Month |
