What Salary Do You Need to Live in Houston, TX?

To live comfortably in Houston, a household needs to earn roughly $60,000/year. That's about $5,000/month before taxes.

The Number: $60,000/year

At $60,000 per year, a household in Houston can afford median-priced rental housing at roughly 28% of gross income.

This is based on Houston's median monthly rent of $1,408 and the 28% housing guideline. Source: Census ACS 2024.

Houston at a Glance

Median rent$1,408/mo
Median home price$301,200
Median household income$64,361
State income taxNone
Sales tax8.25%

Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.

For Single Residents

A single person can live comfortably in Houston on roughly $40,000/year. That's about $3,333/month before taxes.

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Note: Salary estimates are based on the 28% housing guideline applied to median rents from Census ACS 2024. Individual circumstances vary. Full disclaimer.

Salary Questions About Houston

The median monthly rent is $1,408. Using the 30% guideline, you need about $56,000/year to afford this comfortably.

The median home price is $301,200. With a 20% down payment, you would need roughly $60,240 saved and a household income to support the mortgage payments.

The median household income is $64,361/year. Our recommended salary of $60,000/year is near the median, reflecting a comfortable (not extravagant) standard of living.