Cost Of Living In Houston, Texas 2025

Houston, Texas is ranked as the 5th most populous city in the United States. It’s also the largest city proper in Texas which makes it a popular destination for people looking to have that big-city feel without paying the big-city price! The average cost of living in Houston ranges from $1,658 to $1,690 which is lower compared to other major cities in the United States.

The city has a very moderate climate and does not have extreme winters or summers, which makes it ideal for students who wish to study there. The cost of accommodation in Houston is very affordable as well as food items at supermarkets are cheaper than anywhere else in the country. Also, transportation is not an issue because most students live close enough to their school campuses so they can walk or bike around them instead of taking public transportation all the time. In this blog, we will take a look at the breakdown of the cost of living in Houston, Texas for international students.

Breakdown Of The Cost Of Living In Houston, TX

The average cost of living in Houston is much lower than in any other major city. This is largely in part because the housing market is not nearly as inflated as in other cities and especially in California. Calculating the average cost of living in Houston can be difficult because the living expenses vary greatly based on lifestyle choices, tax bracket, and even geographic area within the city. Let’s take a look at the breakdown of the average cost of living in Houston per month –

Item	Cost (Per Month)
Off-Campus Accommodation	$1,000
On-Campus Accommodation	$989
Transportation	$40
Food	$300
Utility	$159
Entertainment	$48
Groceries	$48
Clothes	$95
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)	$1,690
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)	$1,658
Annual Cost of Living	$19,896

Cost Of Accommodation

The best way to find a place is through the university’s on-campus accommodation and student accommodation marketplaces or websites that provide off-campus accommodation. You will also find some ads on Facebook groups dedicated to sharing apartments with other people who are looking for roommates. If you prefer renting a room instead of buying an entire apartment, this option might be cheaper because it’s generally easier on your budget.

One year costs about $1,200 – $1,500 per month including utilities and internet access (based on the accommodation). The average rent for a regular apartment or house is about $2,000 per month, but it can reach up to $6,000 depending on its location and facilities. A private student apartment in Houston costs an average of $1,000. This low cost can vary according to the time of the year and proximity to your university in Houston.

The average price for a one-bedroom apartment is $800 per month during the winter months (December through February), but it’s more expensive during the summer months (June through August). Apartment prices are lowest if you looking for smaller units, or if they’re closer to touristy areas such as downtown or Kemah Boardwalk.

Cost Of Food

Houston is a foodie’s paradise. There are plenty of restaurants serving all sorts of cuisines, and if you choose cheaper options such as supermarkets, you will pay around $30 for a single meal at home. This includes groceries for the week.

Food prices vary according to the type of restaurant and time of year; they also vary according to proximity to touristy places like Downtown Houston and The Galleria area (where most people work). Food prices are lower than in many other countries, and students can eat out for less than people living in other cities. For example, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $10 per person in Houston and that’s without alcohol! Compare this with $35 for two people at comparable establishments in London or New York City. The same goes for groceries! You can buy groceries at a cheaper price than anywhere else in other cities. A gallon of milk costs about $2; bread rolls go for less than 50 cents each; and even fresh fruit isn’t too expensive.

The cost of food varies according to the type of restaurant chosen by the student in Houston. For example, if you choose to eat at a fast food restaurant such as McDonald’s or Taco Bell, your meal will be cheaper than if you chose to eat at an upscale restaurant like Ruth’s Chris Steak House or Le Colonial. If you choose cheaper options such as supermarkets, you will pay around $30 for a single meal at home. This includes groceries for the week.

Cost Of Transportation

Transportation in Houston is very inexpensive. Bus rides cost about $1 and are convenient for students who live on campus or close to it. Students can also ride the train service if they prefer, but it’s usually easier just to walk or bike around campus if possible. Transportation costs depend on the mode of transport. The cost of transportation for students is much lower than for other people, as they can walk or bike around campus if possible. 

Conclusion

The cost of living in Houston is affordable compared to other countries such as Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom. The average cost of accommodation per month is $700 – $900 depending on whether it’s a one-bedroom apartment or two bedroom house. Food expenses are approximately $250 – $350 per month which includes groceries for the week, breakfast and dinner at home cooked by yourself when possible. Transportation costs around $1 per ride on buses or trains if students live close enough to campus while walking is free but requires more effort than riding a bike. We hope this blog helped you as an international student in Houston to plan your budget accordingly while studying there.

FAQs

Q1. What salary do you need to live in Houston?

Ans: If you intend to live alone and are looking at one-bedroom apartments in Houston, your salary should ideally be at least $48,520. In Houston, the minimum wage is $14.33 per hour. It’s crucial to realise that a “living wage” simply refers to the amount required to live above the poverty line.

Q2. Is Houston expensive to live in?

Ans: Houston has the second lowest overall cost of living among the nation’s 20 most populated metro regions, with expenses 8.2% lower than the national average for all 265 urban areas surveyed by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

Q3. How much does it cost to live in Houston per month?

Ans: The cost of living in Houston, Texas is around $1,690 for international students per month and an average annual cost of $19,896.

Q4. Is rent expensive in Houston?

Ans: Houston ranks at the 73rd position as the most expensive metropolitan city in the US with a $1,211 median rent. For a 1-bedroom apartment in the city, the median rent is now about $1,057, while for a 2-bedroom is $1,268. The median rent in the total rental market, which includes all bedroom sizes is around $1,211.

PS: If there’s anything more you’d like us to know about. Add it to the comments section!

Thank you for reading this blog on ‘Cost Of Living In Houston, Texas 2023’. If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that may be of interest to you –

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