Houston Rent vs Buy Calculator: The Real Cost of a $330,000 Home
This Houston rent vs buy calculator opens on an example: a $330,000 home (HAR single-family median price, Greater Houston, August 2026) with 20% down at 6.5% costs about $2,921 a month to own against $1,500 rent, and buying does not pull ahead of renting within 7 years. Property tax is set at 2.1%, the about 2.1% combined rate for a City of Houston address in Houston ISD (all taxing units, before exemptions; Harris County Tax Office, hctax.net). Change any input below.
Not sure whether to rent or buy in Houston? This calculator compares the cumulative cost of renting against buying a home over your timeline, using the home price, mortgage rate, property tax rate, HOA, insurance and rent you enter, plus assumed maintenance, home appreciation, rent increases and the equity you build. See your break-even year, then check the assumptions before you decide.
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Find out whether renting or buying makes more financial sense in Houston over your timeline.
Starting figures: the home price is the HAR single-family median price for the Greater Houston area in August 2026 ($330,000). Property tax opens at 2.1%, the about 2.1% combined rate for a City of Houston address in Houston ISD (all taxing units, before exemptions; Harris County Tax Office, hctax.net); your own address may differ. Rent ($1,500 a month), insurance ($200 a month), HOA, the 20% down payment and the 6.5% rate are example figures, not sourced medians, so replace them with your own.
How long you plan to stay. The mortgage is amortized over a 30-year fixed term regardless of this setting.
Monthly Ownership Cost
$2,921
Monthly Rent
$1,500
Break-Even Year
7+ years
Renting may be the better choice.
Over a 7-year horizon, you won't recoup the upfront and ongoing costs of homeownership compared to renting. Consider extending your timeline or adjusting your budget.
Not modelled: closing costs, cost of selling, mortgage-interest tax treatment, renter's insurance, or any investment return on the down payment. Assumes 3% annual home appreciation, 3% annual rent increases and maintenance at 1% of home value per year.
Not ready to buy yet?
Furnished month-to-month leases let you take your time finding the right home. No long-term commitment required.
Sponsored: RelocateMeTX is affiliated with Houston Corporate Housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to rent or buy in Houston right now?
It depends on how long you plan to stay. Buying generally makes financial sense if you stay 4-5 years or longer in Houston, given current home values and rental rates. Use the calculator with your specific numbers to find your personal break-even point.
What is the average home price in Houston?
Median home prices in the Houston metro vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from the low $200s in suburban areas to over $700,000 in premium neighborhoods. Check our housing pages for current neighborhood-level pricing.
How much is a down payment on a house in Houston?
Conventional loans require 3-20% down. On a $400,000 home in Houston, that is $12,000-$80,000. FHA loans allow 3.5% down. Texas also has several down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.
What are property taxes like in Houston?
Texas property taxes are higher than the national average. Combined rates (all taxing units, before exemptions) typically run 1.8-2.5% of assessed value in the Houston metro — on a $400,000 home, roughly $7,200-$10,000 before exemptions; after the homestead exemption a homeowner's effective rate is lower. There is no state income tax to offset this.
What does this calculator factor in?
It compares cumulative rent (with an assumed 3% annual increase) against the cumulative cost of owning: mortgage principal and interest on a 30-year fixed loan, property tax, homeowner's insurance, HOA and maintenance at 1% of home value per year, net of the equity you build through principal paydown and an assumed 3% annual appreciation. It does not model closing costs, the cost of selling, mortgage-interest tax treatment, renter's insurance, or any investment return on the down payment.
Are there good rental options in Houston for newcomers?
Yes. Houston has a large rental market with apartments, townhomes, and single-family rentals. Many relocators rent for 6-12 months first to learn the neighborhoods before buying. Furnished short-term options are also available.
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