Cost of Living in Houston, TX
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX — prices, rents and what jobs really pay here after taxes.
Price level
98.6
U.S. average = 100 · #101 of 387
Median wage
$49,410
all jobs · $3,490/mo take-home
1-bedroom rent
$1,316
HUD fair market rent
▲1.9%
Pay trend: The median for all workers in Houston, TX rose from $48,490 (May 2024) to $49,410 (May 2025). That trailed inflation (2.4%), so buying power slipped about 0.5%.
Salary comparison calculator
What would you need to earn in Houston, TX to keep the same lifestyle — after taxes — as in another city?
Salary needed to keep your lifestyle
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How expensive is Houston, TX?
With a price level of 98.6 (U.S. average = 100), Houston, TX is close to the national average. In detail, housing costs run 5% above average; everyday goods cost about the same as the national average; utilities are 5% below average; other services such as healthcare and dining are 4% below average. The biggest difference from the national average is in utilities.
Prices in Houston, TX vs. the U.S. average
| Category | Index (U.S. = 100) | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | −1.4% |
| Housing | 104.5 | +4.5% |
| Goods | 100.6 | +0.6% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | −4.7% |
| Other services | 95.6 | −4.4% |
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024.
Rent in Houston, TX
| Unit | Monthly rent | Income needed (30% rule) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,267 | $50,680/yr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,316 | $52,640/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,558 | $62,320/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,097 | $83,880/yr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,614 | $104,560/yr |
HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026, population-weighted across the metro's counties.
Salary needed to live in Houston, TX
To keep the same standard of living as in an average-priced U.S. city, you would need to earn roughly:
| Salary in an average U.S. city | Equivalent in Houston, TX | Take-home here |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $39,500 | $33,918 |
| $60,000 | $59,200 | $49,747 |
| $80,000 | $78,900 | $64,336 |
| $100,000 | $98,600 | $78,195 |
| $150,000 | $147,900 | $112,356 |
Scaled by the BEA price level (pre-tax). Take-home: single filer, Texas 2026 taxes. For a tax-aware comparison with a specific city, use the calculator above.
A monthly budget on the median wage
A single worker earning Houston, TX's median wage of $49,410 takes home about $3,490 a month. A typical one-bedroom rents for $1,316, which is 38% of take-home pay — above the 30% guideline that financial planners suggest. That leaves about $2,174 a month for everything else.
Take-home pay in Houston, TX
Your take-home pay
$41,881
per year · effective tax rate 15.2%
$3,490Monthly
$1,745Twice a month
$1,611Every 2 weeks
$20.14Hourly
- Federal income tax$3,749
- Social Security (6.2%)$3,063
- Medicare (1.45%)$716
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$41,881
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Highest-paying jobs in Houston, TX
| Job | Median salary | Take-home | Real value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $239,200+ | $219,995 | $223,053 |
| Physicians, All Other | $239,200+ | $210,472 | $213,397 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $174,490 | $130,530 | $132,344 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $172,160 | $128,937 | $130,730 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $172,020 | $128,842 | $130,633 |
| Petroleum Engineer | $169,870 | $127,372 | $129,143 |
| Financial Manager | $166,910 | $125,349 | $127,091 |
| Lawyer | $157,980 | $119,245 | $120,903 |
| Marketing Manager | $153,030 | $115,862 | $117,473 |
| Managers, All Other | $144,820 | $110,250 | $111,783 |
| Human Resources Manager | $142,110 | $108,398 | $109,905 |
| Pharmacist | $140,470 | $107,277 | $108,768 |
| Purchasing Manager | $139,050 | $106,307 | $107,784 |
| Physician Assistant | $137,240 | $105,070 | $106,530 |
| Sales Manager | $135,880 | $104,140 | $105,588 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,560 | $103,238 | $104,673 |
| Industrial Production Manager | $133,870 | $102,766 | $104,195 |
| Natural Sciences Manager | $132,860 | $102,076 | $103,495 |
| Electrical Engineer | $131,070 | $100,852 | $102,254 |
| Engineers, All Other | $130,270 | $100,306 | $101,700 |
*In U.S.-average dollars after adjusting for local prices.
Pay and living costs in Texas cities
Half of Texas’s 14,071,160 workers earn less than $48,620 a year and half earn more; the middle 50% earn $35,370–$77,840 (BLS, May 2025). Prices vary a lot within the state: Austin, TX stretches a paycheck furthest, while McAllen, TX is the costliest.
| Metro area | Median pay | Price level | 1-BR rent | Rent share | Left after rent / mo | Buying power* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | $51,440 | 103.1 | $1,586 | 44% | $2,040 | $42,208 |
| Houston, TX | $49,410 | 98.6 | $1,316 | 38% | $2,174 | $42,463 |
| Austin, TX | $56,950 | 98.1 | $1,562 | 39% | $2,433 | $48,885 |
| San Antonio, TX | $47,010 | 94.7 | $1,171 | 35% | $2,158 | $42,181 |
| El Paso, TX | $39,510 | 89.9 | $1,012 | 36% | $1,815 | $37,733 |
| McAllen, TX | $35,830 | 85.9 | $847 | 33% | $1,734 | $36,055 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $45,350 | 92.7 | $1,115 | 35% | $2,103 | $41,673 |
| Lubbock, TX | $42,130 | 91.3 | $974 | 32% | $2,029 | $39,458 |
| Beaumont, TX | $48,630 | 90.0 | $898 | 26% | $2,540 | $45,815 |
| Brownsville, TX | $36,490 | 86.0 | $866 | 33% | $1,759 | $36,638 |
| Killeen, TX | $46,660 | 91.1 | $982 | 30% | $2,324 | $43,532 |
| College Station, TX | $44,470 | 91.0 | $1,082 | 34% | $2,077 | $41,684 |
| Waco, TX | $46,020 | 92.5 | $966 | 30% | $2,297 | $42,309 |
| Amarillo, TX | $44,580 | 91.8 | $903 | 29% | $2,264 | $41,385 |
| Midland, TX | $54,480 | 95.8 | $1,449 | 38% | $2,381 | $47,978 |
*Yearly take-home pay (on each metro’s median wage, single filer) in U.S.-average dollars. Price level: BEA RPP 2024 (U.S. = 100). Rent: HUD FY2026 one-bedroom fair market rent.
Houston, TX vs. similar-size cities
| Metro area | Price level | 1-BR rent | Median wage | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | 98.6 | $1,316 | $49,410 | 3,289,720 |
| Washington, DC | 108.9 | $1,990 | $71,060 | 3,136,190 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 102.6 | $1,520 | $54,310 | 2,897,830 |
| Atlanta, GA | 100.1 | $1,646 | $51,170 | 2,889,670 |
| Miami, FL | 114.2 | $1,942 | $48,640 | 2,819,940 |
| Boston, MA | 108.3 | $2,276 | $66,620 | 2,703,890 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 103.3 | $1,583 | $51,380 | 2,375,760 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston, TX expensive to live in?
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, overall prices in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area are 98.6% of the U.S. average, with housing at 104.5%. It is the #101 most expensive of 387 metro areas we track.
What salary do you need to live in Houston, TX?
To match the buying power of a $60,000 salary in an average-priced U.S. city you would need about $59,177 in Houston, TX (before tax differences). The median wage across all jobs here is $49,410.
Can you afford Houston, TX on the median wage?
A single worker on the $49,410 median wage takes home about $3,490 a month after 2026 taxes; a one-bedroom at $1,316 would take 38% of that.
How much is rent in Houston, TX?
HUD’s FY2026 fair market rents for Houston, TX are $1,267 for a studio, $1,316 for one bedroom, $1,558 for two bedrooms and $2,097 for three bedrooms, including utilities.
Top salaries by field in Houston, TX
Management Occupations
- Computer and Information Systems Manager — $172,160
- Architectural and Engineering Manager — $172,020
- Financial Manager — $166,910
- Marketing Manager — $153,030
- Managers, All Other — $144,820
- Human Resources Manager — $142,110
- Purchasing Manager — $139,050
- Sales Manager — $135,880
Business and Financial Operations Occupations
- Financial and Investment Analyst — $101,660
- Management Analyst — $101,120
- Project Management Specialist — $99,510
- Personal Financial Advisor — $98,930
- Accountant and Auditor — $85,090
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other — $82,060
- Compliance Officer — $78,860
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators — $78,820
Computer and Mathematical Occupations
- Software Developer — $129,440
- Computer Systems Analyst — $113,440
- Data Scientist — $106,750
- Computer Occupations, All Other — $105,440
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator — $101,430
- Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester — $98,690
- Operations Research Analyst — $86,380
- Computer User Support Specialist — $59,250
Architecture and Engineering Occupations
- Petroleum Engineer — $169,870
- Electrical Engineer — $131,070
- Engineers, All Other — $130,270
- Mechanical Engineer — $125,350
- Industrial Engineer — $111,690
- Civil Engineer — $100,950
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval — $97,590
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other — $76,120
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers — $174,490
- Chemist — $106,740
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist — $82,910
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists — $80,470
- Chemical Technician — $65,050
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other — $48,680
Community and Social Service Occupations
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors — $75,930
- Healthcare Social Worker — $71,900
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — $67,370
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers — $56,670
- Social and Human Service Assistant — $46,100
Legal Occupations
- Lawyer — $157,980
- Paralegal and Legal Assistant — $62,730
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
- Instructional Coordinator — $77,430
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary — $74,570
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School — $67,200
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $65,830
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $65,540
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School — $65,080
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education — $64,500
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary — $38,490
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
- Public Relations Specialist — $68,320
- Graphic Designer — $58,400
- Interpreter and Translator — $44,490
- Merchandise Displayer and Window Trimmer — $37,700
- Coach and Scout — $36,330
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
- Physicians, All Other — $239,200+
- Pharmacist — $140,470
- Physician Assistant — $137,240
- Nurse Practitioner — $134,560
- Physical Therapist — $107,700
- Dental Hygienist — $104,930
- Occupational Therapist — $103,580
- Speech-Language Pathologist — $100,400
Healthcare Support Occupations
- Phlebotomist — $45,540
- Dental Assistant — $43,730
- Medical Assistant — $42,110
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other — $40,710
- Nursing Assistant — $37,970
- Home Health and Personal Care Aide — $23,440
Protective Service Occupations
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer — $74,570
- Firefighter — $59,120
- Correctional Officer and Jailer — $53,810
- Security Guard — $35,460
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
- Chef and Head Cook — $45,400
- First-Line Supervisor of Food Preparation and Serving Workers — $36,410
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — $35,660
- Cooks, Restaurant — $35,050
- Food Preparation Worker — $35,020
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant — $29,050
- Dishwasher — $28,600
- Fast Food and Counter Worker — $27,570
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations
- First-Line Supervisor of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers — $38,500
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker — $36,280
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners — $30,650
- Maid and Housekeeping Cleaner — $29,740
Personal Care and Service Occupations
- First-Line Supervisor of Personal Service Workers — $46,350
- Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor — $44,890
- Recreation Worker — $31,200
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — $31,080
- Animal Caretaker — $30,930
- Childcare Worker — $29,530
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers — $26,860
- Amusement and Recreation Attendant — $26,400
Sales and Related Occupations
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products — $100,980
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents — $77,550
- First-Line Supervisor of Non-Retail Sales Workers — $76,360
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products — $73,030
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel — $63,090
- Real Estate Sales Agent — $49,250
- First-Line Supervisor of Retail Sales Workers — $46,970
- Insurance Sales Agent — $46,460
Office and Administrative Support Occupations
- Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant — $74,850
- First-Line Supervisor of Office and Administrative Support Workers — $65,990
- Postal Service Mail Carrier — $62,070
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks — $57,600
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk — $54,090
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — $49,460
- Loan Interviewer and Clerk — $49,220
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks — $48,930
Construction and Extraction Occupations
- First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers — $76,020
- Construction and Building Inspector — $66,780
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — $61,300
- Electrician — $59,180
- Structural Iron and Steel Worker — $58,030
- Sheet Metal Worker — $51,870
- Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator — $51,040
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas — $49,940
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
- Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician — $85,400
- Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer — $82,710
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers — $78,250
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment — $77,880
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic — $63,180
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines — $62,410
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door — $61,680
- Bus and Truck Mechanic and Diesel Engine Specialist — $60,770
Production Occupations
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers — $84,100
- Chemical Equipment Operator and Tender — $79,430
- First-Line Supervisor of Production and Operating Workers — $75,330
- Machinist — $61,280
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — $57,940
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator — $50,280
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders — $46,950
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $46,630
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers — $239,200+
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels — $118,830
- Wellhead Pumper — $79,720
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors — $60,760
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver — $56,840
- Sailor and Marine Oiler — $55,610
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity — $50,430
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator — $45,990