🇺🇸Cost of Living in Houston
United States · Population: 2,304,580 · Cost Index: 68/100
Cost of Living in Houston
United States · North America
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-most populous in the United States. Known as the energy capital of the world, Houston is home to NASA's Johnson Space Center and boasts a diverse economy, affordable living costs, and no state income tax.
2,304,580
Population
68
Cost Index
40
Safety Index
55
Quality of Life
Average Monthly Cost: $2,800 (single person, excluding rent)
Cost Breakdown
Housing
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,650.001-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,150.003-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,200.003-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,000.00Food & Groceries
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$18.00Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$75.00McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$9.50Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.05Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$3.20Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$3.60Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$10.50Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.50Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.45Transportation
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$90.00One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$1.25Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$2.75Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.55Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.85Utilities
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)
$155.00Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$45.00Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$55.00Healthcare
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$180.00Dentist Visit(per visit)
$140.00Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$40.00Entertainment
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$38.00Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$13.00Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.25Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$6.00Clothing
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$45.00Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$35.00Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$80.00Compare Houston with another city
See how Houston stacks up against any other city in our database.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- USD
- Language
- English
- Cost Index
- 68/100
- Safety Index
- 40/100
- Quality of Life
- 55/100
Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.