Salary Needed to Live in Houston as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $26,305/year to live comfortably in Houston, TX — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$26,305
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$22,096
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,381
6% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Houston
| Expense | Houston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $143 | $137 | +4% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $26 | $27 | -4% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $18 | $19 | -5% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $33 | $35 | -6% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $179 | $223 | -20% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $56 | $56 | 0% |
| Internet | $62 | $65 | -5% |
| Phone (×2) | $134 | $140 | -4% |
| Dining & Social | $432 | $450 | -4% |
| Entertainment | $173 | $180 | -4% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $125 | $130 | -4% |
| Total Monthly | $1,381 | $1,462 | -6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,381
Target savings (12%):$224/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,605
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$26,305
Other Household Types in Houston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Houston?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $26,305/year ($2,192/month gross) to live comfortably in Houston with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Houston?
A 1-2br apartment in Houston costs approximately $143/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Houston affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Houston is 6% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).