Is Houston expensive to live in?
Median income: $52,338. Median rent: $1,250. Median home price: $265,000.
Relocation guide · Texas
Moving to Houston, TX
Houston, TX city guide. Population is 2,304,580. Median household income is $52,338. Median rent is $1,250.
Median Rent
$1,250/mo
Median Income
$52,338
State Tax
None
Population
2,304,580
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Houston
Median income: $52,338. Median rent: $1,250. Median home price: $265,000.
Median Rent/mo
$1,250
Median Home Price
$265,000
Median Income
$52,338
Rent-to-Income
29%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Texas
State tax rate: 0%. Local tax rate: 8.25%.
State Income Tax
None
Local Tax Rate
8.25%
Climate
Weather in Houston
Average high: 77°F. Average low: 57°F. Annual rainfall: 50 inches. Sunny days: 204.
Avg High Temp
77°F
Avg Low Temp
57°F
Sunny Days/yr
204
Annual Rainfall
50"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Houston
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Houston with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Houston
What is the average rent in Houston?
The median rent in Houston is $1,250/month. Median home price is $265,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 0%. Local tax rate: 8.25%.
What is Houston known for?
Houston, TX city guide. Population is 2,304,580. Median household income is $52,338. Median rent is $1,250.
What should I know before moving to Houston?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Houston has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.