Everything is bigger in Texas, except sometimes your wallet. If you love Houston but are sick of big city prices, this post is for you.
We researched Houston’s suburbs in terms of cost of living, median home value, percentage of income spent on rent, and home buying affordability to come up with the 10 most affordable suburbs.
1. Richmond
Key Stats:
- Cost of living: 85, compared to the Houston average of 89, the second lowest
- Median home value: $96,300, the second lowest
- Percentage of income spent on rent: The second lowest
A home buyer’s dollar goes a whole lot further in Richmond, with this city’s wide selection of affordable single family starter homes and new construction ranch style homes on large lots.
Public amenities like the recently renovated George Memorial Library and George Park’s football, soccer, baseball, and volleyball facilities are great entertainment options Richmond residents don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy.
History buffs can buff up at the Fort Bend Museum for five dollars or less or get a taste of frontier life at living history site, George Ranch Historical Park, for the price of a movie ticket.
2. Spring
Key Stats:
- Affordability ratio: 1.6, ranked first
Spring may be located just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, but this suburb has a small town family friendly vibe for those who want a more peaceful place to come home. Potential Spring home buyers will find there’s no shortage of affordable family homes and new construction developments.
Lush, beautiful green spaces surround the borders of Spring, and there are plenty of options for outdoor recreation including Pundt Park, Spring Creek Greenway, Spring Trails Preserve, and Mercer Botanic Gardens.
Several public elementary schools in Spring received a GreatSchools.org rating of 10, 9, or 8 out of 10. Annual events like the Texas Crawfish and Music Festival bring the community together over live music and food.
3. Atascocita (tie)
Key Stats:
- Percentage of income spent on rent: 24.8 percent
- Affordability ratio: 1.8, ranked third
Bordered by Lake Houston, Atascocita gives residents a taste of the great outdoors in their own backyard, but this scenic suburb is just 30 minutes from big city amenities in downtown Houston.
The suburban vibe of Atascocita means quiet streets, easy access to big box stores, and family friendly dining options, like family owned local favorite Tin Roof B-B-Q. Enjoy beautiful weather with fishing and hiking at Lake Houston, or watch live music in Town Center Park.
3. South Houston (tie)
Key Stats:
- Cost of living: 82, compared to the Houston average of 89
- Median home value: $77,900
Those looking for a more suburban vibe just 20 minutes from downtown Houston may find it in South Houston. New construction single family and starter homes are affordable housing options.
South Houston may be a small city, but it’s full of affordable amenities for residents to enjoy. Budget eats at City Cafe and Taqueria De Jalisco are as delicious as they are easy on your wallet. The South Houston Library branch offers classes in Spanish and English and hosts holiday events like the annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Cinco de Mayo Piñata Craft class.
5. Pasadena (tie)
Key Stats:
- Cost of living: 86, compared to the Houston average of 89
- Median home value: $102,400, ranked third
The sizable suburb of Pasadena has a population of over 150,000, and the amenities to match. Affordable single-family homes, especially ranch style homes, are popular in Pasadena.
For affordable eats, try local favorite Savannah Cafe and Bakery. Budget shoppers will also find the perfect thing at Alamo Thrift Stores, Family Thrift Center or one of Pasadena’s many other thrift shops.
Explore the great outdoors and reconnect with nature at the Armand Bayou Nature Center for two to four dollars per ticket.
5. Webster (tie)
Key Stats:
- Percentage of income spent on rent: 26.6 percent
- Median home value: $106,300
The suburb of Webster is located about half an hour from Houston in one direction and the Gulf of Mexico in the other, making it the perfect spot for affordable weekend getaways.
Housing in Webster ranges from single-family homes to updated condos in private communities, so whether you’re looking for yourself or you and your family, there’s an option to suit your needs.
If you’re on a budget, tickets to Space Center Houston may not be an everyday purchase, but you can also experience history in the scenic and free Challenger Seven Memorial Park.
7. Rosenberg
Key Stats:
- Cost of living: 86, compared to the Houston average of 89
The historic suburb of Rosenberg now has all tons of modern budget friendly amenities. A mix of new and old construction condos, single-family homes, and cabins on large lots are available in Rosenberg.
Rosenberg has several affordable dining options, from chain restaurants to family owned joints. If the cost of living in Rosenberg doesn’t make you think you’ve traveled back in time, Another Time Soda Fountain’s all-American meals and shakes served in 1950s style diner will.
Rosenberg also has several thrift, consignment, and resale stores like Red Queen’s Attic, perfect for a budget shopper.
8. Alvin
Key Stats:
- Cost of living: 87, compared to the Houston average of 89
- Median home value: $107,600
Alvin is located between Houston and the Gulf of Mexico, so residents can be either on the water or in a major city in about 30 minutes. Home buyers hunting in Alvin will have their pick of affordable ranch style or two story family homes. Potential students will be drawn to highly rated and reasonably priced Alvin Community College.
Chain family restaurants and unassuming local joints like Diana’s Grill provide a variety of affordable dining, and Stuff A Bag deals at The Treasure Troll thrift store will make even the thriftiest shopper stop checking the price tags.
9. League City
Key Stats:
- Percentage of income spent on rent: 24.9 percent
Beach lovers on a budget flock to League City, a Houston suburb bordered by Galveston Bay. Potential home buyers have a range of options, from waterfront condos with boat storage included to large family homes further inland.
Outdoor recreation on Galveston Bay isn’t the only budget amenity in League City. This suburb also has a range of affordable restaurants and resale and upscale consignment stores for the discerning budget shopper.
League City residents are also a straight shot 30 minute drive on the I-45 from Houston.
10. Stafford
Key Stats:
- Percentage of income spent on rent: 25.1 percent
Rounding out our list at number 10 is Stafford, a suburban oasis just minutes away from downtown Houston. Home buyers in the market for single family homes and a big yard have a great shot in this suburb.
A number of local and chain restaurants cater to families on a budget, and Houston Community College offers a quality education at a reasonable price.
Bonus: Stafford is a city without property taxes, so April 15th is about to be a whole lot less painful.
Living Within Your Means Never Felt So Good
Now that you have a list of the most affordable places near Houston, all that’s left is figuring out how you’re going to spend or save all that extra cash.
When you need help finding that perfect, affordable home,
let us know.
Our Methdology
When we created this list, we relied on facts and figures, not our own opinions. We researched Houston’s suburbs in terms of the following budget friendly criteria:
- Cost of living
- Median home value
- Percentage of income spent on rent
- Affordability ratio (median home value divided by median household income)
We ranked 22 Houston suburbs with scores in each category and then averaged those scores into an overall score. The lowest scores made up our top 10 most affordable places near Houston.
To see how other places we ranked measured up, check out the table below.
Feature image source: Flickr user euthman
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