Salary & Cost of Living in Houston, TX
Houston, TX: $65,000 median salary, cost of living index 96, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$65,000
$31/hr
Cost of Living
96
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.8%
rate
Houston, TX Overview
Population
2,304,580
Median Salary
$65,000
Average Salary
$73,000
Avg Commute
28 min
Median Home Price
$280,000
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Job Growth
+2.5%
Sales Tax
8.25%
Houston is located in Texas with a population of 2,304,580. The median household salary is $65,000 per year ($31/hour), which is $5,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.5%.
Houston Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Houston, TX, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$54,114
$4,509.46/month · $2,081.29/biweekly · Effective Rate: 16.7%
Gross Pay
$65,000
Federal Tax
-$5,914
State Tax
$0
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,973
Net Pay
$54,114
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,416.67 | $65,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$492.83 | -$5,914.00 |
| Texas State Tax (0%) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$335.83 | -$4,030.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$78.54 | -$942.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,509.46 | $54,113.50 |
Salary Comparison: Houston vs Other Cities
See how Houston's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $65,000 | 96 | $67,708 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Long Beach, CA | $65,000 | 148 | $43,919 |
| Oceanside, CA | $65,000 | 145 | $44,828 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $65,000 | 100 | $65,000 |
| Pembroke Pines, FL | $65,000 | 115 | $56,522 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Houston
Houston's cost of living index is 96 (national average = 100). Living in Houston is 4% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$280,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,350
Annual Rent Cost
$16,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $54,114 annual take-home pay in Houston has the purchasing power of approximately $56,368 in an average-cost US area. Your $65,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Houston
Houston's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $65,000.
Salary Tips for Houston Workers
- No state income tax advantage. Texas has no state income tax, which means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. Invest the savings in a Roth IRA or 401(k) for long-term growth.
- Research top industries. Houston's top industries include Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $65,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Houston, TX?
The median salary in Houston, TX is $65,000 per year, or $31 per hour. The average salary is $73,000. This is $5,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX?
Houston's cost of living index is 96 (national average = 100), meaning it is 4% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $280,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,350.
What are the best industries in Houston?
The top industries in Houston, TX include Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace. The city has a job growth rate of 2.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $65,000.
How does Houston's salary compare to other cities?
Houston's median salary of $65,000 is 9.5% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 96), the real purchasing power is approximately $67,708.
What is the minimum wage in Houston, TX?
The minimum wage in Houston, TX is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.