Question for a friend Houston and Dallas cost of living Forum

[titan747]

How good could a young person live in Houston or Dallas making 3k a month net (after taxes) with no student loans and no roommates? What are the prices for a nice, safe 1 bedroom apartment?

[kalvano]

Dallas, it depends on where you want to live. In the suburbs or older and cheaper places, $800 - $1000 a month for rent. If (s)he wants to live in the young and more fun part of town, $1500 - $2000. Plus a car and associated expenses.

It's doable, but by the time you're done with rent and bills and life costs, there won't be a ton leftover.

[titan747]

Could you get a nice 1 bedroom apt for under 800 in Houston?

[DildaMan]

Could you get a nice 1 bedroom apt for under 800 in Houston?

Girlfriend is living in a studio ($850 montly) in the Dallas Design District. She's living comfortably on $3500 a month (after taxes).

[downinDtown]

Again, depends on what your standards of living and tolerance for commuting are. If you're inner-loop (inside the 610), there may be a some spots where you could get a decent studio/1br for that price.

But i'd suggest that instead of hypotheticals about housing in the 2 biggest cities in TX, you research apartment sites to find actual, current prices for what would fit your criteria (e.g., http://www.apartmentfinder.com/Texas/Houston-Apartments), then come back if you have specific questions about a certain area/apartment complex. Or at least give some more context (e.g., I want to be close to UofH, or a big commute is not desirable, etc).

[titan747]

Background info:

Only been to Houston and Dallas once each.
Equal offer for both areas.
Houston preference
The favored job is near the "vintage park" side of Houston
Wants to have a nice sum of money but have fun too

[downinDtown]

Background info:

Only been to Houston and Dallas once each.
Equal offer for both areas.
Houston preference
The favored job is near the "vintage park" side of Houston
Wants to have a nice sum of money but have fun too

I'm not familiar with that area, maybe someone else on here is. I did find these apts starting at close to $1000/month with good reviews: http://vintagepark-houston.com/floor.asp and http://www.retreatatvintagepark.com/floorplans.php. But you should be aware that you're renting for a short-term/summer job, most apartments charge a premium ($200-300/month). But even with that additional cost, it can be cheaper than doing corporate housing ($75-$100/night) or an extended-stay hotel (at least, on the low end, $50/day).

Based on previous posts, it seems like this is for a job, so ignore the short-term stuff if not relevant.

So housing costs (rent/utilities) are likely going be between $1200 - $1500/month; how you spend the other $1500 depends on how frugally you can live, how much you go out, etc. With no student loans to repay and a good budget, you can definitely live for under 3K in Houston.

[titan747]

Thanks downinDtown

[El Principe]

I believe Houston is slightly cheaper than Dallas, but that's based off of anecdotal evidence from alums from my UG that work there.