Friendswood, TX vs. Katy, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Friendswood or Katy? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between these two popular Houston suburbs. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in Friendswood vs Katy in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare in Friendswood and Katy:
| Housing Type | Friendswood | Katy |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $325,000 | $350,000 |
| Mortgage (PITI) on Median Home | $1,950/mo | $2,100/mo |
| Rent (2BR Apartment) | $1,400/mo | $1,550/mo |
🏆 Winner: Friendswood. Housing costs, whether renting or buying, tend to be 5-10% lower in Friendswood compared to Katy.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another major monthly expense. In Friendswood, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, water, and gas for a typical home. Costs may be 10-20% higher in summer due to air conditioning.
In Katy, monthly utility costs average closer to $200/month, with similar seasonal variation. Both cities have energy choice programs that let you shop for lower electric rates.
🏆 Winner: Friendswood. While utility costs are comparable, Friendswood residents save about $20/month on average. Learn more about typical living costs in Friendswood.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are fairly similar between Friendswood and Katy. Expect to spend $400-500/month on groceries for a couple, or $800-1000 for a family of four. Eating out costs $12-15 per person for a basic meal, or $50+ for dinner for two at a nice restaurant.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There’s no significant cost difference for food and daily goods between the two cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are a bit higher in Katy, averaging 2.5% vs 2.3% in Friendswood. For a $350K home, that’s a difference of about $700/year. City service fees and HOA dues (if applicable) are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Friendswood. The lower property tax rate in Friendswood translates to meaningful savings for homeowners.
Cost Summary: Friendswood vs Katy
| Expense Category | Friendswood | Katy |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage or Rent) | $1,400 – $1,950 | $1,550 – $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 – $1,000 | $400 – $1,000 |
| Transportation | $200 – $300 | $200 – $300 |
| Taxes (Property) | 2.3% | 2.5% |
| Misc Expenses | $200 – $500 | $200 – $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,380 – $3,930 | $2,550 – $4,100 |
Lifestyle Fit: Friendswood vs Katy
While Friendswood is a bit more affordable overall, both cities offer a high quality of life. Friendswood is known for its small-town charm, excellent schools, and quick access to Houston and Galveston. Commutes to central Houston average 5-10 minutes shorter from Friendswood.
Katy has more of a suburban feel with extensive master-planned communities and newer housing. It’s further from the coast but offers more shopping, dining and entertainment options. Katy sees about 5 inches less rain annually than Friendswood.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Friendswood more affordable than Katy? Yes, the overall cost of living is about 5-10% lower in Friendswood, mainly due to cheaper housing and slightly lower taxes.
- Which city has lower rent? Rents are around $150/month lower in Friendswood for a comparable apartment.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices and property taxes are a bit lower in Friendswood, translating to savings of $150-200/month on a typical mortgage payment.
Conclusion
While both Friendswood and Katy are great places to live, Friendswood comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families and professionals looking to optimize their budget often find their money goes further in Friendswood, without sacrificing lifestyle.
However, Katy can be a great fit for those prioritizing newer homes, master-planned communities, and extensive suburban amenities. See a detailed monthly budget breakdown for living in Friendswood.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle priorities. We recommend visiting both cities and exploring different neighborhoods to get a true feel for which one is the best fit.