The Woodlands
$400k–$550k
Master-planned suburbs with HOA. Strong schools drive demand.
Houston · Texas
How Much House Can You Afford in Houston?
Median home near $310,000. Typical income near $68,000. Moderate — prices stay below many coastal metros. Run the calculator — this page also has salary tiers, neighborhood prices, and local buyer guides.
Houston home affordability at a glance
Planning figures for Houston, Texas. Your lender quote and tax bill may differ — use these as a starting point.
$310,000Median home price
$68,000Median household income
$96,875+Rough gross for median (3× rule)
$2,170/moEst. PITI on median (20% down)
On a median $310,000 home, property tax near 1.65% is about $426/month. Insurance near 0.45% of value is about $116/month. HOA is about $60/month where it applies.
Flood zones matter. Insurance and tax can rival the mortgage on older homes without updates.
Monthly payment breakdown on a median Houston home
Estimated PITI at $310,000 list, 20% down, 6.5% rate, and Houston tax and insurance defaults. Principal and interest are the largest line — but tax, insurance, and HOA still move the stress meter.
Estimated monthly PITI
$2,170/mo
In Houston, buyers who only compare list price to income miss tax and insurance. Run the calculator with your real debts — the 36% back-end rule includes car loans and cards.
How much house can you afford in Houston by salary?
Max home price at common gross salaries, 6.5% rate, $300/month other debt, and Houston tax and insurance. Stress label uses the 28% housing cap.
| Gross salary | Max home (est.) | Stress |
|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $209,399 | Moderate |
| $100,000 | $281,678 | Moderate |
| $125,000 | $353,956 | Moderate |
| $150,000 | $426,234 | Moderate |
| $200,000 | $570,790 | Moderate |
These rows assume no down payment in the solver — your down payment raises what you can buy. Enter your real numbers in the calculator for a personal max.
Texas take-home pay calculator · Comfortable salary in Houston
Houston home prices by area
The citywide median blends expensive and affordable pockets. Use these ranges as a map — not a guarantee for any one listing.
Katy / Cinco Ranch
$350k–$480k
Family-friendly. Commute to Energy Corridor or Galleria.
Inner Loop
$380k–$520k
Older homes, smaller lots. Flood zone checks are critical.
Pearland / Friendswood
$320k–$420k
Often below Houston median. Still verify flood and wind insurance.
The 28/36 rule in Houston
Lenders often use two caps. Our calculator applies both so you see a realistic max — not just what a bank might pre-approve.
28% front-end
Your full housing payment — mortgage, tax, insurance, and HOA — should stay near or below 28% of gross monthly income. In Houston, insurance and HOA often push buyers over this line before list price does.
36% back-end
All monthly debt plus housing should stay near or below 36% of gross income. A $400 car payment and $250 in student loans shrink your max home price even when income is strong.
Stress meter
We label results Comfortable, Moderate, Stretched, or Over limit. Shop below your max if you want room for repairs, childcare, or savings — especially in Texas where tax and insurance vary by block.
Buying a home in Houston: local context
Houston is one of the more affordable big Texas metros. Median price near $310k fits many middle incomes with 20% down at today's rates.
Flood maps matter. Harvey taught many buyers to check FEMA zones and insurance cost before they fall in love with a kitchen.
Energy and medical jobs anchor wages. Suburbs in Katy, Pearland, and The Woodlands trade commute time for more house per dollar.
Property tax near 1.65% is a real line item. On a $300k home that is over $400 a month — not pocket change.
Houston sprawls across counties with different tax rates. The median price is a midpoint — The Woodlands runs higher, some east-side blocks lower.
No zoning means land use varies block to block. Check what's planned next door before you buy.
Humidity and foundation issues show up on inspection. Set aside cash for pier work on older slabs.
Job growth in energy and healthcare supports demand. Still run the stress meter — stretched buyers feel rate hikes fast.
How much house can I afford in Houston on $80k?
At $80,000 gross, the 28% cap is about $1,867 a month. That often supports a home near $250,000–$290,000 with 20% down at 6.5%.
Texas has no state income tax, so take-home pay helps versus California at the same gross. Property tax near 1.65% still adds $400+ a month on a $300k home.
If you have $500 a month in car and student debt, the 36% back-end cap may bind before the 28% housing rule. Enter real debts in the calculator.
Houston flood zones and insurance costs
Harvey showed that flood risk is not only on the coast. Check FEMA maps and get a flood quote even outside mandatory zones.
Wind and hail coverage can rival property tax on older roofs. Some carriers ask for a roof age inspection at renewal.
A home that looks cheap on list price may fail the full PITI test once insurance is real.
What salary for a median Houston home?
For a median home near $310,000 with 20% down, plan on $75,000–$90,000 gross at 6.5% with modest debt. Houston is among the more reachable big Texas metros.
Energy and medical jobs anchor wages. Dual income at $70k each often lands in Comfortable stress below the median.
Suburbs trade commute time for space. Gas and tolls are real costs — do not ignore them when you stretch the payment.
Rent vs buy in Houston
Houston rent near $1,400 and lower list prices make buying workable after five to seven years in many suburbs. Flood insurance can tilt the math — include it in rent vs buy.
First-time buyer tips in Houston
- Pull a flood map for every address you like.
- Ask for the seller's tax certificate — MUD and ISD lines change the bill.
- Budget roof and HVAC reserves on 1980s stock in the Loop.
- Compare Katy and Pearland if the Inner Loop median feels tight.
FAQ — how much house can I afford in Houston?
How much house can I afford in Houston on $80k?
About $1,867 a month at 28%. That often fits a home near $250k–$290k with 20% down.
Is Houston cheaper than Austin?
Yes on median price. Austin wages are higher but list prices rose faster.
Is Houston cheaper than Austin?
Yes on median price. Austin wages are higher but list prices rose faster in the 2020s.
Do I need flood insurance in Houston?
Many lenders require it in Zone A or V. Even in X zones, optional coverage is worth quoting.
How high is Houston property tax?
Near 1.65% of value in our model — often $425+ a month on a $310k home.
Can I afford a $350k home on $90k?
Often yes with 20% down and low debt. Run the calculator with your real car payment.