Humble, TX vs. Katy, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Houston area? Here’s a rapid-fire comparison of the cost of living in Humble vs. Katy, TX:
- 🏠 Housing costs: 20% lower in Humble
- ⚡ Utility bills: 10% higher in Katy
- 🛒 Groceries: About the same
- 🚗 Transportation: 15% cheaper in Humble
- 💸 Taxes: Slightly lower in Katy
For a detailed cost of living comparison, read on. All figures reflect gross monthly pre-tax costs.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living in Humble vs Katy. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare:
| Housing Type | Humble | Katy |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 3BR Home Price | $350,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: Humble. A household moving from Katy to Humble might save $400/month on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two Houston suburbs. Expect monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $120-180 (higher in summer)
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $80-120
- Internet: $60-80
🏆 Winner: Humble. Bills trend about 10% lower thanks to slightly milder weather and older, smaller homes.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable between Humble and Katy. Budget around $400-600/month per adult for food, toiletries, and basic goods.
Eating out is also similarly priced. A meal at a casual restaurant runs $12-18 per person in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in food and daily living costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are the main difference in this category:
- Humble: 2.4% average property tax rate
- Katy: 2.2% average property tax rate
Sales tax is 8.25% in both cities. HOA fees are common, typically $200-400/month.
🏆 Winner: Katy. The lower property tax rate gives Katy a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Humble | Katy |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $2,300 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $280 | $310 |
| Groceries | $500 | $500 |
| Transportation | $450 | $530 |
| Taxes (Property) | $700 | $825 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,630 in Humble | $5,365 in Katy |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Humble is more affordable overall, Katy offers perks like:
- Highly-rated schools
- Newer housing
- More master-planned communities
However, Humble has a shorter average commute to central Houston. It’s also a bit more walkable and closer to outdoor recreation.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Humble more affordable than Katy?
A: Yes, the cost of living is around 15% lower in Humble compared to Katy, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Humble. Renting a 2BR apartment costs about $300 less per month than in Katy.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Also Humble. The median price of a 3BR house is roughly $100K lower in Humble vs Katy.
8. Conclusion
While both Humble and Katy provide a high quality of life, Humble comes out ahead in affordability. It’s ideal for:
- Young professionals
- Families prioritizing housing costs
- Those who value a quick commute and outdoor access
However, Katy’s highly-rated schools and newer homes can justify the added cost for some households. Ultimately, both cities are great options in the Houston metro.
For more cost of living comparisons, check out our other breakdowns for Texas cities!