Cost of Living in South Houston, TX

With a cost of living index of 85, South Houston, TX is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 15% cheaper than the national average and 3% below the Texas state average of 88. South Houston is a smaller community of 16,017 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in South Houston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,174 (11% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $176,100 (42% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in South Houston is $52,611, which is 30% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to South Houston. The area sees an average annual temperature of 71.1°F, with summers averaging 84°F and winters around 57°F. Annual rainfall totals 55.6 inches spread over roughly 107 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.