LifeCost Blog
Houston

Houston

USA

Updated on August 24, 2025

Overview

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and the largest in Texas, located in the southeast of the state near the Gulf of Mexico. With over 2.3 million inhabitants in the city and 7 million in the metropolitan area, it is a major global energy, medical, and aerospace center. The city houses NASA's Johnson Space Center, the Texas Medical Center, and is known for its cultural diversity with over 90 languages spoken.

Average cost of living€4,730.00
Quality of Life72/100

Accommodation

Rent room (flat-share)€800.00
1-bed flat (center)€1,400.00
1-bed flat (outside)€1,100.00
3-bed flat (center)€2,800.00
3-bed flat (outside)€2,200.00

Utilities

Basic utilities€180.00
Internet€65.00
Mobile plan€55.00

Transportation

One-way ticket€1.25
Monthly pass€130.00
Taxi start€3.50
Gasoline (1 l)€0.78

Leisure

Cinema ticket€12.00
Fitness club€45.00

Education

Preschool (month)€1,200.00
Intl. primary (year)€12,000.00

Buying House

sqm in city center€2,800.00
sqm outside center€2,200.00

Advantages

  • No state income tax
  • Global energy industry hub
  • Great cultural and culinary diversity
  • Relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities
  • Strong job market across multiple sectors
  • Major medical and research center

Disadvantages

  • × Hot and humid climate for much of the year
  • × Heavy traffic and car dependency
  • × Susceptible to hurricanes and flooding
  • × Air pollution in some areas
  • × Extensive urban sprawl
  • × Limited public transportation