According to data compiled from the Council for Community and Economic Research, Houston’s cost of living index is 96, just below the national average of 100. Houston is a relatively inexpensive city, but since the greater metropolitan area is so vast, affordability varies from neighborhood to neighborhood—and some spots skew well above the national average. These three Houston neighborhoods have affordable real estate, a low cost of living, and amenities that offer residents the biggest bang for their buck.

All home sales data is sourced from Neighborhoods.com. “Cost of Living” index numbers are derived from the Council for Community and Economic Research and based on six components: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services.

Northside Village

Find quaint single-family homes in Northside Village

Median Sale Price: $149,000

Cost of Living: 84

Northside Village borders Downtown, treating residents to sweeping cityscape views without subjecting them to the congestion and commotion of the city center. The neighborhood is a highly residential community that attracts families. Since Northside Village is surrounded by freeways and located along the Metrorail route, commuting and transportation options are easily accessible. Via the 13 mile red line, locals have direct access to many of the city’s amenities: Downtown’s and Midtown’s active nightlife, the Museum District’s art and culture, and NRG Stadium, stomping ground of the Houston Texans—all for a mere $1.25 per trip.

Cheap Eats

Northside is full of family-owned restaurants and old-school joints that make dining on a dime doable. Neighborhood mainstay Poppa Burger is a 24-hour hamburger stand that’s been serving the community for over 50 years. Like Poppa Burger’s classic drive-in exterior, the menu prices have remained largely unchanged. El Taconazo is another local favorite serving cheap eats. Residents line up at this late night truck for a taste of one of Houston’s must-try tacos.

Affordable Fun

Deemed “Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery,” Saint Arnold Brewery recently opened a massive cathedral-esque beer garden. Take a free brewery tour or spend the day with family, friends, dogs, and kids on the patio. Another option for an affordable activity is the Little White Oak Market, a night market with local vendors and food trucks. Every Thursday night, Northside residents converge at Sideout Volleybar to watch sand volleyball tournaments and browse the marketplace.

Briar Meadow

Quiet Residential street in Briar Meadow

Median Sale Price: $164,500

Cost of Living: 89

Briar Meadow includes a mix of standalone homes and condos. According to the City of Houston Planning and Development Department, Tanglewilde and Briar Meadow (on both sides of Richmond Avenue) are the largest single-family subdivisions in the Houston area. The neighborhood attracts families and professionals who want city conveniences without hiked-up prices. One of Briar Meadow’s major amenities is its proximity to The Galleria, Houston’s premier shopping destination with an indoor ice skating rink.

Cheap Eats

Briar Meadow has a smorgasbord of worldly cuisines including Tex-Mex, Thai, Indian, and South African. Residents can expand their culinary palates at any number of inexpensive area eateries. One option is Old Saigon Cafe—a beloved Vietnamese place with flavorful pho and a spoonful of creme brulee as an amuse bouche. Old Saigon is a casual indoor restaurant; those looking for an outdoor locale can hang at the neighborhood’s watering hole, Mike’s Icehouse. Mike’s has TVs, bar food favorites, and a grassy backyard with picnic tables.

Affordable Fun

Briar Meadow Park isn’t just affordable—it’s free. The park features modern playground equipment, a walking path, and tennis courts. Families picnic on the lush green lawn under towering oaks while fitness-lovers jog or play sports. Best of all, Briar Meadow Park is quieter and less crowded than parks in other neighborhoods allowing residents to savor all the amenities for themselves.

Fort Bend

Fort Bend, TX / Photo by Whispertome / CC0

Medial Sale Price: $135,000

Cost of Living: 80

Fort Bend, located in southeast Houston, is a subdivision coiled with residential cul de sacs. Homes in the area include ranch-style abodes constructed in the 1970s and 1980s and contemporary two-story brick houses. The neighborhood features large homes with spacious yards, a benefit of living outside of the Beltway loop. 

Cheap Eats

There are a lot of inexpensive chain restaurants in the area as well as some local businesses like Kelly Pupuseria, a homestyle Salvadoran spot, and Danny’s Crawfish and Seafood serving up succulent Cajun-Asian fusion.

Affordable Fun

Fort Bend has plenty of outdoor greenspace including Blueridge Park, which features a duck pond and sprayground, and Community Park (in nearby Missouri City) with soccer and baseball fields as well as volleyball and basketball courts. Community park also has a jogging trail and a large fishing lake.