Cost of Living in Harris County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harris County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harris County ranks #3,124 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harris County, Texas
Harris County housing costs above national norm
Harris County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the Texas state average of 18.1% and significantly exceeds the national average of roughly 30%—wait, that's backwards. Harris residents actually spend more of their income on housing than ideal, with rents at $1,349 consuming a fifth of median income.
Houston's affordability challenge
Harris County ranks in the least affordable tier of Texas counties, with the highest rent and mortgage costs among our comparison group. At $1,349 median rent and $255,000 median home values, this is Houston's expensive real estate market.
Pay Houston prices for Houston access
Harris County's $1,349 median rent and $1,476 monthly owner costs far exceed surrounding counties like Hardin ($1,011 rent, $188K homes). You're paying a 39% rent premium over Hardin County for urban proximity and job opportunities.
Houston takes 22% of income
With a median household income of $73,104, Harris County residents spend 22.1% on rent—nearly a quarter of earnings. Buyers face even steeper costs at 24.3% of income going toward mortgages.
Harris County: urban cost, urban gain
Harris County demands the highest housing costs in our comparison, but delivers Houston's unmatched job market, amenities, and economy. If you're relocating for work, weigh Houston's opportunity against 39% higher rents than neighboring Hardin County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harris County
Affordability Verdict
Harris County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,349/month representing approximately 22.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Harris County is $1,349/month, while owner costs run $1,476/month. Renting saves approximately $127/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $63,257/year. With a median household income of $73,104, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Harris County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Harris County sits 5% more expensive than Bexar County ($1,290/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harris County
Rent Burden
22.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,706
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.2%
of gross income
The median home in Harris County may be a stretch
Median home value is $255,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,036 vs. your max of $1,706.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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