Cost of Living in Houston, United States

Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100 (New York = 100). It is 27% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

73/100
Cost Index
$5,094/mo
Median Income
19/100
Safety Index
subtropical
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 65/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,350/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$1,100/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$1,900/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 50/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.45/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$3.52/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$1.8/kg
Dining OutScore: 53/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$12/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$60/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$10/meal
TransportationScore: 52/100
Monthly Transit Pass$60/month
One-Way Ticket$1.25/trip
Taxi (1 km)$1.2/km
UtilitiesScore: 48/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$200/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$50/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$65/month
HealthcareScore: 58/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$148/visit
Dentist Visit$139/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$21/course
EntertainmentScore: 52/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$12.03/ticket
Theater Ticket$45/ticket
Museum Entry$18/ticket
FitnessScore: 50/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$50/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$22/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$10/entry
Personal CareScore: 48/100
Haircut (Men)$28.23/cut
Haircut (Women)$45/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$6.5/bottle
ClothingScore: 56/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$70/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$42/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$95/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

145 Mbps
Internet Speed
$250
Coworking/Month
good
Café WiFi
high
English Level
growing
Nomad Community
45/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Montrose, Washington Avenue, East End

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston cheap to live in?

Houston has a cost of living index of 73/100, where New York = 100. It is 27% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,460–$2,044 per month.

How much does rent cost in Houston?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Houston costs approximately $1,350/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $1,100/month.

Is Houston good for digital nomads?

Houston has a growing digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 145 Mbps, café wifi reliability is good, and coworking spaces run about $250/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Houston?

The median net monthly salary in Houston is approximately $5,094 USD. The income tax rate is around 0%.

How does Houston compare to New York for cost of living?

Houston (cost index 73) is 27% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $675/month by moving from New York to Houston.

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