Cost of living in Houston
Houston, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its diverse culture and booming economy. Understanding the cost of living in Houston is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this bustling metropolis.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18 on average, with a range between $12 and $38.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $50 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9, with a range between $8 and $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $8, imported beer $5 to $12, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.69 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.92.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.06.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5.25, averaging $3.54.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.14 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $1.1 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.88 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.25 and $1.5, with a monthly pass priced between $75 and $80.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.65 and $0.9 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.37 to $1.86 per km and $27 to $40 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $2000, averaging $1626.3.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1500, averaging $1200.3.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2400 to $4500, averaging $3142.03.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1700 to $3250, averaging $2222.28.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2261 to $3282.99, averaging $2906.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1829.86 to $2486.46, averaging $1937.58.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $133 and $398, averaging $194.05.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $110, with an average cost of $66.91.
Cost of Living Rankings
Houston ranks 39th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Houston offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, with moderate housing and transportation costs.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, offering options for both budget-conscious and upscale dining experiences.
Grocery prices are generally reasonable, with some variation in the cost of fresh produce and meats.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Houston.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Houston presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a vibrant urban environment without the high costs associated with other major cities.
Whether you're considering a move for work, education, or lifestyle, understanding these costs will help you plan your budget effectively and enjoy all that Houston has to offer.