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Average Rent in Houston, TX

Houston offers some of the most affordable rents among major US cities. With no state income tax and low cost of living, renters keep more of their income. The city has high vacancy rates, giving tenants negotiating power.

+1.5%YoY
Studio
$1,000
1-Bedroom
$1,200
2-Bedroom
$1,500
3-Bedroom
$1,900

Market Overview

Year-over-Year Change+1.5%
Vacancy Rate8.5%
Renter Population55%
Median Income$52,338/yr
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.5%
Cost of Living Index96 (US avg: 100)

Market Condition

Balanced Market

Market is relatively balanced between landlords and tenants.

Tenant Protections

  • No state rent control (but no restrictions on local ordinances)
  • Security deposit return within 30 days
  • Landlord must make diligent efforts to re-rent if you break lease
  • Right to repair for certain conditions affecting health/safety

HUD Fair Market Rent (2025)

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX metro area.

Studio
$825
1-Bed
$968
2-Bed
$1,178
3-Bed
$1,528
4-Bed
$1,745

Rent by Neighborhood in Houston

Montrose

Eclectic neighborhood with art galleries, diverse restaurants, and nightlife.

Walk Score: 68Safety: 7/10
1-Bed
$1,500
2-Bed
$1,900
3-Bed
$2,400

The Heights

Charming area with Victorian homes, boutique shopping, and running trails.

Walk Score: 62Safety: 8/10
1-Bed
$1,600
2-Bed
$2,000
3-Bed
$2,500

Midtown

Urban center with bars, restaurants, and easy access to downtown and medical center.

Walk Score: 78Safety: 6/10
1-Bed
$1,400
2-Bed
$1,800
3-Bed
$2,200

Energy Corridor

Suburban area near major employers with newer apartment complexes.

Walk Score: 30Safety: 8/10
1-Bed
$1,100
2-Bed
$1,400
3-Bed
$1,700

Medical Center

Near the world's largest medical center, popular with healthcare professionals.

Walk Score: 55Safety: 7/10
1-Bed
$1,300
2-Bed
$1,700
3-Bed
$2,100

Buildings in Houston

View All

Montrose Gardens

Montrose
3.6
48 units
$1,250
1-bed avg

Heights on Yale

The Heights
3.4
72 units
$1,550
1-bed avg

Midtown Living

Midtown
3.0
160 units1 violations
$1,700
1-bed avg

Brightstar Townhomes at Third Ward

Third Ward
4.5
24 units
$950
1-bed avg

Tips for Renting in Houston

  • 1Texas has no rent control, but high vacancy rates give you negotiating power
  • 2Always negotiate - Houston landlords often offer 1-2 months free on new leases
  • 3No state income tax means your effective income goes further here
  • 4Check flood zone maps before signing - flooding is a real risk in many areas

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Compare Other Cities

New York City
$3,450
1-bed avg
Los Angeles
$2,350
1-bed avg
Chicago
$1,750
1-bed avg
Phoenix
$1,350
1-bed avg

FareRent provides data for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or real estate advice. Rent estimates are based on available market data and may not reflect your exact situation. Always verify independently before making housing decisions.