Salary Needed to Live in Houston as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $18,942/year to live comfortably in Houston, TX — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$18,942
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$16,416
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,026
6% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Houston
| Expense | Houston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $117 | $113 | +4% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $17 | $17 | 0% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $14 | $14 | 0% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $24 | $26 | -8% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $179 | $223 | -20% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $56 | $56 | 0% |
| Internet | $62 | $65 | -5% |
| Phone | $82 | $85 | -4% |
| Dining & Social | $288 | $300 | -4% |
| Entertainment | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Personal Care | $72 | $75 | -4% |
| Total Monthly | $1,026 | $1,094 | -6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,026
Target savings (10%):$132/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,158
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$18,942
Other Household Types in Houston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Houston?
A single person needs approximately $18,942/year ($1,579/month gross) to live comfortably in Houston with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Houston?
A studio/1br in Houston costs approximately $117/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Houston affordable for a single person?
Yes, Houston is 6% more affordable than the national average for a single person.