Cost of Living in Houston – What You Should know Before Moving Here
Having an idea of the cost of living in Houston is an important issue for anyone moving to the city. You’ll have to decide if you will be able to afford to provide your children with good care and most importantly, the apartment you will rent.
Cost of housing
If you are considering a move to Houston, you may be wondering about the cost of living in this city. The good news is that the average cost of living in Houston is quite reasonable.
A family of four can expect to spend about $1,600-1,700 per month, while a single person can expect to pay over $1,000. Rent costs vary greatly by location and type of apartment.
For example, a furnished studio apartment in Houston’s downtown area costs around $1,500 per month. In some neighborhoods, such as East Houston, rents are much cheaper.
Housing prices in Houston are relatively low compared to other major metropolitan areas. On average, a three-bedroom house in the city will cost around $231,000. This is considerably less than the national average of $375,000 and lower than other major cities in Texas.
Cost of owning and maintaining a car
If you’re thinking of buying a car, the cost of owning and maintaining a car is important to understand. Aside from auto loan payments, you’ll also need to pay taxes, licensing, and registration.
If you’re looking to buy a car in Houston, you’ll need to take into consideration the cost of gas. This price can vary widely throughout the United States. Houston’s fuel prices are relatively affordable. However, you can expect to spend hundreds of dollars a year on additional vehicle maintenance costs.
When it comes to insurance, the costs can differ from state to state. Typically, you’ll need to purchase full coverage insurance. You can drop collision coverage to save an average of $557 a year.
For the average American, an annual premium for full-coverage insurance runs $1,588. These figures are based on nationwide statistics.
Cost of child care
If you are a parent in Houston, the cost of child care can be an astronomical expense. While the costs vary by age and type of care, the average monthly cost of daycare is about $850 in the U.S.
Some of the reasons why the costs are so high include the fact that many parents are leaving the workforce. According to a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one in three lower-income parents blames child care for not making their budgets stretch.
A national survey of parents ages 25 and older found that more than a third of those with children ages five and under left the workforce because of the high cost of childcare. For the same age group, fewer parents are relying on family care or grandparents.
Nightlife in the City
While you are here, you might as well take in some of the city’s more than a dozen professional sports teams. Aside from a good time, Houston is the largest metro area in the Lone Star State. The likes is a relatively safe haven for families, couples and singles who are more concerned with getting along than getting hurt. Fortunately for us, the area is also chock full of restaurants, bars and clubs, a good place to unwind after a long day at the office. This is especially true at night when Houston’s nocturnal residents can unwind after a good night’s sleep. Besides, Houston’s proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth means more nightlife options in the immediate neighborhood. So, while you are here, don’t miss out on the chance to make the night of your life the night of your dreams.
Most expensive neighborhoods to rent in
If you are looking to rent an apartment in Houston, it is important to know which neighborhoods have the highest cost of rent. Rent prices can vary by neighborhood and size. Generally speaking, the more expensive neighborhoods are located in the city center or near the inner loop.
While there are many high-end apartments in the city, there are also more affordable options for rent. This includes neighborhoods in Houston that are less than 10 miles from the outer loop.
The city is growing, which means more and more housing is being built. Depending on the area, it can be easy to find an apartment for less than $1,200.
Some of the most expensive Houston neighborhoods are Uptown, Medical Center, Downtown, and Museum District. However, there are also more affordable areas that are well worth checking out.