The Real Cost of Living in Houston (and How Cornerstone Coves Stretches Your Budget)

Houston is famous for “big city, lower cost,” but monthly expenses still add up—especially housing. Here’s what the numbers say in October 2025, and how Cornerstone Coves stacks up.

What Houstonians Pay for Rent Today

• Citywide median rent (all units): $1,299 (Apartment List, Oct 2025). Apartment List

• Listings-based median across types: $1,500 (Zumper, Oct 2025). Zumper - Apartments for Rent & Houses

• Zillow ZORI average asking rent: $1,580 (Aug 31, 2025). Zillow

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Context: Houston rents are flat to slightly down year-over-year, but still the largest line item in most budgets. Apartment List+1

And That’s Before Utilities & Internet

Typical add-ons for a one-bedroom:

• Electricity (TX average 1-BR): about $74–$103/mo depending on source and usage. Power to Choose Texas+1

• Internet: many plans run $50–$100/mo. Taco Street Locating

• Water/sewer/trash: often another $30–$70+ depending on the property. (Ranges commonly cited in Houston budgets.) Taco Street Locating

A realistic apartment total:

• Using the $1,299 median: ~$1,299 + ~$75 electricity + ~$60 water/trash + ~$70 internet ≈ $1,500+/mo. Apartment List+2Power to Choose Texas+2

• Using the $1,500 median: ~$1,500 + the same utilities ≈ $1,700+/mo. Zumper - Apartments for Rent & Houses+2Power to Choose Texas+2

  
  

Cornerstone Coves: A Simpler, Lower, All-In Number

At Cornerstone Coves (Houston co-living/group home):

• Basic Accommodation: $1,000/mo (Twin XL in a shared room)

• Premium Accommodation: $1,200/mo (Private room, full-size bed)

• $200 refundable deposit; utilities & Wi-Fi included (with reasonable household caps), plus periodic professional cleaning and pest control.(See: cornerstonecoves.com/about for full details and house rules.)

What that means: where a typical apartment budget often lands in the $1,500–$1,700+ range after utilities and internet, your Cornerstone Coves monthly outlay is $1,000–$1,200—and already bundled. That’s a ~$300–$700+ monthly cushion you can redirect to savings, transportation, or debt payoff.

Why Houston Still Feels Affordable—But Planning Matters

Houston remains below the national average on rents and day-to-day costs, yet inflation nudges categories like food and services. Recent CPI data for the Houston metro showed mixed moves (energy down, food slightly up), a reminder that “small” categories can surprise. Budgeting with a single, predictable housing number helps. Apartment List+1

Bonus: Time & Community Are Worth Money Too

Beyond the dollars:

• Less setup hassle: No juggling multiple utility sign-ups, deposits, or surprise fees.

• Built-in community: Shared kitchens and common areas reduce loneliness—one of the hidden “costs” of solo living.

• Structure & support: Clear rules, cleanliness standards, and a property manager focused on a safe, respectful environment.

  
  

Quick Snapshot

Expense	Typical Apartment (Houston)	Cornerstone Coves
Monthly rent	$1,299–$1,580 avg range	$1,000–$1,200
Electricity	$74–$103	Included*
Water/Trash	$30–$70+	Included*
Internet	$50–$100	Included*
Estimated Total	$1,500–$1,700+	$1,000–$1,200

*Included with reasonable household caps and house rules per Cornerstone Coves policies.

The Bottom Line

If you’re aiming for predictability, savings, and community, Cornerstone Coves delivers an all-in price that beats the typical Houston apartment by hundreds per month—without sacrificing location or comfort.

Explore availability and details: cornerstonecoves.com/about

Sources: Apartment List Houston Rent Report (Oct 2025); Zumper Houston rent data (Oct 2025); Zillow ZORI (Aug 31, 2025); Apartment List utilities guidance (Sept 2025); Texas 1-BR electricity bill averages (Apr 2025); BLS CPI Houston (Sept 11, 2025). Bureau of Labor Statistics+5Apartment List+5Zumper - Apartments for Rent & Houses+5