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Houston, Texas Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Houston, Texas at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $267,000
- State Income Tax
- No state income tax; Social Security and pension income fully exempt.
- Avg January Low
- 46.8°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 97.4 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 56 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Houston, Texas, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Houston's cost of living is 2.5999999999999943% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Houston using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$579
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$650
Median home price used: $267,000
Median rent reference: $1,246 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Houston, Texas after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Houston scores 14.3 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Houston
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Houston →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Texas has a tax environment that is highly favorable for retirees.Read more in our detailed Texas tax guide.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 298 sunny days a year and an average January low of 46.8°F, Houston offers a mild winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Houston
What is the cost of living in Houston, Texas for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 97, roughly 3% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $267,000.
Does Texas tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Texas residents: No state income tax; Social Security and pension income fully exempt.
What is the climate like in Houston, Texas?▾
Houston, Texas has January average low around 47°F, July average high around 95°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Houston, Texas?▾
Houston scores 14/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
SANDERS MORRIS LLC
VALIC FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.
KAYNE ANDERSON CAPITAL ADVISORS, L.P.
+74 more financial advisors available