Baytown is considered relatively affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,450 and utility costs slightly below the national average.
In 2025, the median household income in Baytown is around $5,600 per month before taxes. Here’s a closer look at what it costs to live comfortably in this Houston suburb.
Housing Costs in Baytown
Housing is the biggest expense for most Baytown residents. Typical options include apartments, townhomes, and single-family houses. Prices vary based on neighborhood, size, and amenities.
Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Baytown averages about $1,450 per month as of 2025. Prices range from $1,200 in older complexes up to $1,800 for newer luxury units. Popular rental neighborhoods include Goose Creek, Chaparral Village, and Pinehurst.
Buying a home is also relatively affordable. A 3-bedroom, 2-bath house has a median price of $280,000, or about $1,600 per month with a 30-year mortgage at 4.5% interest. Costs are lower in established areas like Brownwood and higher in newer developments such as Parkwood or Bay Oaks. Homeowners association (HOA) fees can add $100-300 per month in some neighborhoods.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Basic utilities for a 1,000 sq ft apartment in Baytown cost around $180 per month. This includes about $110 for electricity, $30 for water, $20 for natural gas, and $20 for trash/recycling. High-speed internet adds another $65 on average.
Cooling costs spike in the summer, with electric bills often doubling from June to September. Expect to pay around $220 per month for AC during the hottest months. Winter heating is less costly, averaging $80 monthly for natural gas from November to February.
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $110 |
| Water | $30 |
| Natural gas | $20 |
| Trash/Recycling | $20 |
| Internet | $65 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries in Baytown cost about $350 per person monthly, right in line with the U.S. average. A gallon of milk is $3.80, a loaf of bread is $2.50, and a dozen eggs cost $2.20. Dining out is affordable, with a meal at a casual restaurant averaging $14.
Other daily expenses to consider:
- Gasoline: $2.80/gallon
- Basic haircut: $25
- Movie ticket: $11
- Fitness club membership: $40/month
Taxes and Fees
Texas has no state income tax, but sales tax in Baytown is 8.25%, higher than the U.S. average of 7.3%. Property taxes are also above average at 2.4% of home value annually. For a $280,000 house, that’s about $560 per month.
Vehicle registration is $75 per year, plus about $50 for an annual safety inspection. Drivers spend around $140 per month on car insurance, depending on vehicle and history.
Monthly Budget Summary
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $245 | $280 | $350 |
| Groceries | $350 | $700 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $300 | $425 | $600 |
| Healthcare | $280 | $560 | $850 |
| Other Necessities | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Discretionary | $500 | $800 | $1,000 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $3,525 | $4,815 | $6,500 |
Note that these figures represent gross monthly income (pre-tax) needed to afford each budget. Actual take-home pay will be 15-25% less after taxes.
Lifestyle Considerations
Living in Baytown involves some tradeoffs. Homes are affordable and many neighborhoods are family-friendly, but commutes can be long, with an average drive time of 30 minutes each way. Traffic gets very heavy around shift changes at the major petrochemical plants.
Summers are hot and humid, so air conditioning is essential. Winters are short and mild. Many residents take advantage of outdoor recreation at local parks and nearby Galveston Bay.
Job growth in Baytown is steady, driven by the energy, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The ExxonMobil Baytown Complex is the area’s largest employer. Retail, education, and hospitality also provide diverse opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live in Baytown?
A single person needs to earn at least $3,500 per month ($42,000 annually) before taxes to live comfortably in Baytown as of 2025. A family of four requires around $6,500 monthly ($78,000 per year).
Is Baytown cheaper than Houston?
Yes, the cost of living in Baytown is about 10% lower than in central Houston. Housing is the biggest difference, with Baytown prices around 20% less on average.
What is the cheapest neighborhood in Baytown?
Brownwood and Pelly are among the most affordable areas, with home prices averaging under $200,000. Rents in these neighborhoods are typically $1,000-1,200 for a 2-bedroom.
How much is the average electric bill in Baytown?
Electricity costs about $110 per month for a 1,000 sq ft apartment, plus $30 for water and $20 for natural gas. Expect cooling costs to double in the peak of summer.
Are property taxes high in Baytown?
Baytown’s property tax rate of 2.4% is higher than the national average of 1.1%. However, with lower home prices overall, the dollar amount paid is comparable to many other mid-size U.S. cities.
What is minimum wage in Baytown?
As of 2025, the minimum wage in Baytown is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal minimum. A full-time worker earning minimum wage grosses about $1,250 per month before taxes.
How much is car insurance in Baytown?
Drivers in Baytown pay around $140 per month for full coverage car insurance. Rates vary based on vehicle, driving history, credit score, and other factors.