Houston Utility Guide

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Houston, TX Utility & Living Guide

Houston is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and the Southern United States.

Last updated: July 9, 2026
Total Utilities$340/mo
1BR Rent$1111/mo
Sales Tax8.6%
COL Index104 (+4% above national average)
Median Home$235,000
📷 Live Cameras — Houston
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🌤️ Live Weather — Houston
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Living in Houston, summers are intense — Aug highs average 92.7°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 47.0°F. At just 852 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 75.5 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 310 parks, 10 groceries, 436 dining spots and 19 schools. 3 hospitals serve the area. Median household income: $60,440. With a 19.6% poverty rate and 42.0% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Bellaire (7mi SW), Galena Park (8mi E), South Houston (10mi SE). Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 52 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Houston, summers are intense — Aug highs average 92.7°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 47.0°F. At just 852 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 75.5 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 310 parks, 10 groceries, 436 dining spots and 19 schools. 3 hospitals serve the area. Median household income: $60,440. With a 19.6% poverty rate and 42.0% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Bellaire (7mi SW), Galena Park (8mi E), South Houston (10mi SE). Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 52 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Houston
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🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$155/mo

APS / SRP
🔥 Gas

$35/mo

Southwest Gas
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Phoenix
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City of Phoenix
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$340/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1111/mo
2 Bedrooms$1235/mo
3 Bedrooms$1543/mo
Median Home Price$235,000
Property Tax Rate0.62%

Sprawling suburbs. High AC costs from May to October.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

104

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+4% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

110

Healthcare

98

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8.6%
Property Tax Rate0.62%
<p>State 5.60% + City 2.30% + County 0.70%</p>

Arizona flat income tax rate of 2.5%.

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📊 Houston — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$60,440
👤 Median Age
33.7
🏠 Homeownership Rate
42.0%
🔑 Renter Rate
58.0%
📉 Poverty Rate
19.6%
💼 Unemployment Rate
6.5%
📡 Internet Access
85.8%
🎓 College Educated
30.0%
📍 Houston City Stories

Houston, Texas — City Overview

Living in Houston, summers are intense — Aug highs average 92.7°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows...

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