Independent calculator. Not financial advice. Estimates use 2026 federal brackets and state tax tables verified April 2026. Methodology
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Salary in Houston 2026: Take-Home, Budget, Cost of Living

Take-home at multiple salary levels, 50/30/20 budget, MIT living wage, neighbourhood rents, and top employers. Texas state tax verified April 2026.

72
COL Index (NYC=100)
$1,350/mo
Median 1BR Rent
$0
No State Tax
$42,000/yr
MIT Living Wage (single)

Your Take-Home in Houston

$
$80,000/yr in Houston
$5,409/mo
take-home after all taxes
Federal + FICA$15,092
Texas State Tax$0
Annual Take-Home$64,908

Is $X a Good Salary in Houston?

AnnualTake-Home/moRent/Take-HomeVerdict
$50,000$3,52938%Solid
$75,000$5,11626%Excellent
$100,000$6,58221%Excellent
$150,000$9,46214%Excellent

Rent as % of monthly take-home. Under 33%: excellent. Under 40%: solid. Under 50%: workable. Over 50%: tight.

Texas has no state income tax.

Versus California on $100K: save roughly $9,000/year in state tax. No-tax state analysis

MIT Living Wage, Houston (Texas)

$42,000/yr
Single adult
$110,000/yr
Family of 4

Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator 2025.

Cost of Living in Houston, TX (Numbeo Q1 2026)

72 / 100
COL Index
vs NYC baseline
67 / 100
Rent Index
residential rents
78 / 100
Groceries Index
vs NYC
$40/mo
Transit Cost
monthly pass or equivalent

Neighbourhoods and Rent Ranges in Houston

Midtown ($1,500-2,800), Montrose ($1,400-2,500), Heights ($1,600-2,800), Sugar Land ($1,300-2,200), Katy ($1,100-1,900)

Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index, April 2026. Ranges reflect studio to 2-bedroom.

Top Employers in Houston

ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron Phillips, Houston Methodist, HCA Healthcare

Source: BLS QCEW 2024, company public disclosures.

Houston vs Nearby Cities on $80,000/yr

Houston current
Texas
$5,409/mo
State tax: $0 (no income tax)
COL index: 72
Full Houston breakdown
Austin
Texas
$5,409/mo
State tax: $0 (no income tax)
COL index: 82
Full Austin breakdown
Dallas
Texas
$5,409/mo
State tax: $0 (no income tax)
COL index: 74
Full Dallas breakdown
Compare any two cities side-by-side
Texas has no state income tax. noincometaxstates.comCost of living by stateAll 25 metros

Houston Salary FAQ

What is a good salary in Houston in 2026?+
A 'good' salary in Houston is one where rent consumes less than 30% of gross monthly income or 33% of take-home. On $80,000 per year in Houston, take-home is determined by federal tax, FICA, and Texas state tax. Use the calculator above to see exact figures. The MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025) estimates a single adult in Houston needs roughly the living wage figure shown above for a basic comfortable life without savings margin.
How much is rent in Houston?+
The Zillow Observed Rent Index for Houston (April 2026) shows a median 1-bedroom rent in the range listed in the city data above. Rent varies significantly by neighbourhood. Check the neighbourhood notes section for sub-city rent variation.
What is the take-home on $80,000 in Houston?+
On $80,000 per year, a single filer in Houston pays federal income tax plus FICA. Texas state income tax applies at the rate shown in the calculator above. Use the calculator to see exact take-home for your filing status.
Does Houston have a city income tax?+
Houston does not charge a separate city income tax in 2026. State income tax is the only sub-federal income tax applicable.
How does Houston compare to the national average?+
The cost of living index for Houston (Numbeo Q1 2026, NYC=100) is shown in the stats above. A higher index means higher costs than NYC; lower means cheaper. For a direct side-by-side comparison with any other city, use the compare tool linked below.
Related: Yearly Calculator | Compare Cities | All 25 Metros