Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States. Such a vibrant city attracts many people to visit or live there yearly. So, is living in Houston, Texas, the right fit for you? Do you know anything about Houston? In the following, we will introduce you to the advantages and disadvantages of living in Houston so that you can have a more comprehensive understanding of the city.
Pros and Cons of Living in Houston, Texas
Living in Houston often touches on every aspect of life, and we’ll break it down to help you quickly understand the pros and cons of living in the city.
Weather
Pro: The temperature is pleasant for most of the year
The weather in Houston is very pleasant for most of the year. The weather from October through May is very mild, with highs in the 60℉-70℉ range and lows never falling below 40℉.
Con: You need to be prepared for hurricanes and floods
You can get into extreme weather when you are living in Houston, Texas. Between June and November, the city sees a number of “named hurricanes” (hurricanes are named when they have sustained winds of 39 MPH), such as Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Hurricanes and tropical storms along the Gulf Coast bring a risk of rain and flooding to the city.
Language
Pro: Friendly to Spanish speakers
With nearly half of the city’s population speaking Spanish as their mother tongue, this is the city for you if you speak both Spanish and English.
Con: Local English has many unique dialects
Although English is the first language here, the local language has a unique southern accent and regional characteristics. The city is diverse, with more than 145 languages spoken here. If you want to immerse yourself in the local life, then learning the characteristics and the unique use of the local language is the best choise.
Location
Pro: Close to other major cities in Texas
There are also many tourist cities around the city where you can have a different experience in a new town. While you’re sweltering in the heat of the Houston summer, take a one-hour drive to Galveston, where the coastal city’s scenery will add even more fun to your summertime.
Houston is close to Austin, San Antonio and even Dallas. All you need to do is drive to these cities. You don’t need to book a flight or take extra time off.
Cost of Living
Pro: The cost of living is relatively low
Houston, the fourth most populous city in the United States, has a relatively low cost of living and no state income tax. The cost of living in the city is 5.3% lower than the national average and 23.4% lower than the average for the most populous metropolitan area in the United States.
In general, the average annual pretax income of a person living in Houston is $43,300. And he may spend nearly $13,754 a year. It can be said that if you can plan your property properly, you can have a good life while living in Houston, Texas.
Con: Sales and property taxes are higher in Houston
Texas has a 6.25% sales tax, but Houston’s total sales tax is 8.25%! While most food items are exempt from sales tax, pet supplies, paper products, clothing and personal care items are subject to tax.
Housing
Pro: Housing costs are lower
Houston’s average home price is $264,900 compared to other large Texas cities, well below Austin’s $514,200 and Dallas’ $305,600. As a result, Houston can offer you the most affordable home.
This city is also a great place to rent. It has many livable places to live in Houston, such as Memorial, The Woodlands, and Kingwood. According to uhomes.com, the average monthly rent is $1,200, which is lower than the national average. You can find the perfect apartment for you here.
Con: The real estate market is very competitive for buyers
While average home prices are lower in Houston, there are fewer listings, and the real estate market is slightly skewed in favour of sellers. At the same time, higher mortgage rates encourage some people not to consider buying a new home.
Education
Pro: Houston has an excellent education system
Houston has a lot of educational opportunities. There are more than 60 school districts, dozens of charter schools, and about 200 private schools. Houston ISD is the largest school district in Texas and home to many nationally ranked schools that offer a full range of high-quality educational opportunities for people of all ages.
Con: Private schools are more expensive
There are many good private schools to choose from in Houston. However, it is also important to note that private education is expensive, such as Rice University, Houston Christian University, and St. Thomas University.
Public schools are also perfect for you if you’re on a budget. The University of Houston is a great public university where you can get high-quality education and practical opportunities.
Traffic
Pro: Houston has an excellent education system
Living in Houston, Texas, you will be amazed by the city’s well-developed transportation system. A successful light rail system (METRORail) and extensive bus service (METRO) exist. Even if you don’t have a car, you can easily reach your destination by public transportation.
Let’s share a well-known secret: Houstonians love cars. Although plenty of public facilities exist, people still prefer to travel by car. There are usually lots of parking Spaces in the city centre for everyone’s cars. The city also has many highways, and their unique design reduces congestion on the main roads. Houston also has two airports (IAH and HOU) with regular direct domestic and international flights, providing you with even more convenience to get around.
Con: Houston is not walkable
Houston’s walkability is not superior outside of the central business district and downtown. The lack of good sidewalks does not provide adequate safety facilities for pedestrians. The city’s layout is more scattered, and if you choose to walk to the destination, it will take more time.
Job Market
Pro: Houston has a thriving job market
If you want a good job, living in Houston is one of the best choices you can make. The city has many job opportunities in the oil and gas industry. Companies including Chevron, Conocophillips and Occidental Petroleum are headquartered in Houston. At the same time, engineering research and other science-related jobs are also abundant, and the Texas Medical Center has a lot of technical innovation programs and positions, which can provide opportunities for high-end technical talents to shine.
Crime Rate
Con: Crime rates are well above average
Although Houston’s crime rate is higher than the national average, some key areas have seen their crime rates decline. If you live here, you just need to live in a safe neighborhood to avoid most dangerous events.
Sports Culture
Pro: Active sports culture
Houston is one of the top 20 sports cities in the United States. There are six professional teams and dozens of minor league or college teams. The people here are incredibly loyal to the team, and almost all families have a team they support. You can see great games in the city’s sports centres whether you like American football or baseball, basketball or ice hockey. The city is known for teams such as the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Texans.
Food Culture
Pro: Satisfy your taste buds with a diverse food culture
If you’re a foodie, living in Houston will be an eye-opener. It has a diverse food culture. You can find restaurants from many countries, including Korea, Vietnam, Mexico, and India. At the same time, eating out is cheap and high-quality, allowing you to save money while enjoying delicious food.
Recreation
Pro: The diverse population creates a unique cultural atmosphere
Houston is a very diverse city. One-third of the population is Hispanic or Latino. At the same time, the city also has a sizable Middle Eastern and North African population. People worldwide have spread their culture to every corner of Houston, making the city a unique and vibrant place to live.
Living in Houston, you can be influenced by multiple cultures. At the Houston Day of the Dead festival, you can see traditional Mexican dances and music performed by Afro-Cuban musicians. Don’t miss the Black History Month Cultural Festival, the Houston Indian Film Festival and the Houston Latin Festival. These festivals will give you an insight into the local multicultural atmosphere.
Health Care System
Pro: The city has the world's largest medical institutions and famous hospitals
Houston is ready to provide you with the highest quality medical care. One of the best hospitals in the United States is Houston Methodist Hospital. It specializes in heart and vascular diseases and has made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, neurology and organ transplantation.
At the same time, Houston also has the largest medical facility in the world, the Texas Medical Center. The MD Anderson Cancer Center Centre sees 8 million patients annually. An excellent healthcare system will make your life worry-free.
Is Houston a good place to live in?
While there are pros and cons to living in Houston, on balance, the pros outweigh the cons. It has a low cost of living, plenty of job opportunities, a vibrant culture, and abundant educational and medical resources. It’s a great city for young people who need a chance to work or study. As long as you know the details of in advance, you will have an easy and enjoyable life here.
Conclusion
In the 2025 Global City Comprehensive Strength Index, Houston ranked eighth in the United States, showing its comprehensive strength to people. Although the city has some shortcomings, it still provides a comfortable living environment. Based on our summary, you can consider whether living in Houston, Texas, is suitable for you.
FAQ
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Houston?
If you want a pleasant and comfortable life in Houston, you usually need to make $75,000 to $86,000 a year, as the average monthly cost of living in Houston is about $3,151. Of course, the money you need to live in Houston will depend on your lifestyle, spending habits and financial goals.
Is Houston or Austin better?
It depends on an individual’s living habits and quality of life requirements. Houston has a lower cost of living than Austin and a thriving job market and medical centre. A diverse culture will make your life more colourful. However, Houston’s high crime rate, humid climate and heavy traffic can be overwhelming.
Austin is the world’s live music capital, as well as food and outdoor venues. The job market, while strong, is highly competitive. The hot weather is as troublesome as the heavy traffic.
What are some issues in Houston?
Houston faces several issues today, including crime, housing affordability, traffic congestion, and extreme weather risks.
