Cost of Living
How Much Does Cost of Living Cost in Houston, TX?
Monthly cost of living for a single person. Updated March 2026 with data from BLS, U.S. Census Bureau, and industry surveys.
Avg Cost
$3.840
4% below avg
Cost Range
$2.400 – $5.280
National Avg
$4.000
State Avg
$3.848
Cost Index
96/100
Cost Overview
Typical Cost Range
$2.400 – $5.280
-4% vs national average
$2.400$3.840$5.280
LowNational avg: $4.000High
Houston vs State & National Average
| Category | Houston | Texas Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $3.840 | $3.848 | $4.000 |
| Low estimate | $2.400 | $2.886 | $3.000 |
| High estimate | $5.280 | $5.002 | $5.200 |
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing / Rent | $960 | $2.400 | per month |
| Groceries | $288 | $576 | per month |
| Transportation | $192 | $480 | per month |
| Utilities | $144 | $288 | per month |
| Healthcare | $192 | $480 | per month |
| Entertainment | $96 | $288 | per month |
Compare Houston with Other Cities
See how cost of living costs compare across the country.
Cost of Living in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cost of living cost in Houston?
In Houston, TX, cost of living typically costs between $2.400 and $5.280. The average is $3.840, which is 4% below the national average.
Is Houston expensive for cost of living?
Houston has a cost-of-living index of 96 (100 = national average). Cost of Living costs are 4% lower than the national average of $4.000.
What factors affect cost of living costs in Houston?
Key factors include local labor costs, cost of materials, market competition, Texas state regulations, and Houston's overall cost of living (index: 96/100). Prices can also vary by season and specific requirements.