| Index | South Houston | Texas | National |
| Cost of living | 90 | 94 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 71 | 83 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 103 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 98 | 98 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in South Houston can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The South Houston cost of living index is 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
In South Houston, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in South Houston will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Is South Houston an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in South Houston is 42.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 2.8% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. South Houston has a median household income of $67,297, which is 17.3% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.
Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In South Houston, the utilities index is 2% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for South Houston are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $88,868 | $7,406 | $2,073 | $2,666 |
| Renters | $49,836 | $4,153 | $1,163 | $1,495 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Texas | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Barrett, TX | 3,521 | 87 | 13.0% |
| Jacinto City, TX | 10,826 | 87 | 13.0% |
| Galena Park, TX | 11,097 | 88 | 11.8% |
| Sheldon, TX | 2,224 | 92 | 8.4% |
| Cloverleaf, TX | 26,890 | 92 | 8.3% |
| South Houston, TX | 17,971 | 90 | 9.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Iselin, NJ | 17,973 | 130 | 30.3% |
| Kingstowne, VA | 17,967 | 149 | 48.8% |
| Anoka, MN | 17,962 | 103 | 3.3% |
| Tillmans Corner, AL | 17,980 | 89 | 11.4% |
| Hannibal, MO | 17,980 | 88 | 11.7% |
| South Houston, TX | 17,971 | 90 | 9.5% |
Here are the best places to live in Texas
Safest Cities In The US
Safest States In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Texas