2026 city cost profile
Cost of Living in Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas has an overall cost of living index of 105.8, which is 6% above the national average.
Index
105.8
6% above the national average
Key stats
Index
105.8
National average = 100
Rent
$2,175
Estimated average monthly rent
Home price
$390,000
Estimated median home price
Income
$78,000
Estimated median household income
Category breakdown
Category indexes use 100 as the U.S. national average baseline.
| Category | City index | National average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 118 | 100 | +18.0% |
| Groceries | 97 | 100 | -3.0% |
| Transportation | 104 | 100 | +4.0% |
| Healthcare | 96 | 100 | -4.0% |
| Utilities | 101 | 100 | +1.0% |
| Miscellaneous | 99 | 100 | -1.0% |
Salary needed
Single adult
$84,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Family of four
$185,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Monthly budget examples
Single
$4,740
Couple
$7,870
Family
$11,090
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Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: Q1 2026
Data as of Q1 2026. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, HUD Fair Market Rents.
Cost of living indexes use the national average as baseline (100). Data is updated periodically.