Average Rent in Houston 2026
The average rent in Houston, TX is $1,200 for a 1-bedroom, $1,500 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,900 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Houston is 4% below the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $48,000.
Houston Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,200
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,500
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,900
per month
Cost of Living in Houston
96
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Houston's cost of living index is 96, which is 4% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Houston at a Glance
Population
2.3M
Median Income
$56,019
COL Index
96
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Houston?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Houston by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,200/mo rent
$48,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,500/mo rent
$60,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$1,900/mo rent
$76,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Houston
Save $450/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,200
per month
Split 2BR
$750
per person/month
Annual Savings
$5,400
per year
Instead of paying $1,200 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,500) with one roommate brings your share to $750. That is $5,400 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Houston
Houston, TX does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Houston Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Houston rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Houston
Is Houston expensive to rent in?
Houston is one of the more affordable major US cities for renters. A 1-bedroom averages $1,200 per month in 2026, which is slightly below the national average. Texas also has no state income tax, which further stretches your rental budget.
How much income do you need to rent in Houston?
Using the 30% rule, you need a gross monthly income of about $4,000 ($48,000 annually) to afford the average $1,200/month 1-bedroom in Houston.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Houston?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,500/month) with one roommate brings your share to $750, saving $450 per month or $5,400 per year compared to a solo 1-bedroom.
Planning to rent in Houston?