City Guide 2026
United States
Living in Houston
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Houston, United States.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$2,266
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
37/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
21°C
70°F average
Tourist Visa
180 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
326 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in Houston
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,465 | $952 |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,865 | $1,862 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$432/month
Healthcare
$83/month
Utilities
$211/month
Transport
$75/month
Climate in Houston
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
12.1°
Feb
14.3°
Mar
17.7°
Apr
21.1°
May
25.2°
Jun
28.3°
Jul
29.5°
Aug
29.6°
Sep
26.9°
Oct
22.1°
Nov
16.7°
Dec
13°
Air Quality (AQI)
51
Moderate
Avg Rain Days/mo
9
days per month
Beach Distance
40 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
610 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Houston
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
326 Mbps
Cultural Score
58/100
Nightlife
70/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
4+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Tax Overview in United States
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: poor
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 0% (exempt) |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 0% (exempt) |
| Dividend Tax | 0% (exempt) |
| Interest Income | 0% (exempt) |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 0% (exempt) |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Houston?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Houston costs approximately $2,266-3,626/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $1,465/month.
Is Houston safe for expats?
Houston has a safety index of 37/100 (higher is safer). Houston requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 44/100.
What is the weather like in Houston?
Houston has an average annual temperature of 21°C (70°F). The warmest months reach 29.6°C and the coolest drop to 12.1°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 51.
What is the internet speed in Houston?
Average internet speed in Houston is 326 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 4+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in United States?
United States uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 0% (long-term) and dividends at 0%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in Houston?
Yes, United States offers a digital nomad visa valid for 36 months. The residency pathway is: 12 to 36 months for Adjustment of Status (I-485) depending on category and country of birth..
Is Houston good for digital nomads?
Houston has fast internet at 326 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 4+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 56/100 (NYC = 100), making it relatively expensive for remote workers.
Can You Retire on $X in Houston?
Run the FIRE math for Houston against the most-searched portfolio milestones — honest yes/no/tight verdicts with the numbers behind them.
Compare Houston with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.