Housing Costs in Pearland, TX
Housing is typically the largest expense for Pearland residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Pearland is approximately $1,650 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house is around $2,100 per month, assuming a 20% down payment on a median-priced home of $365,000.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, age of the home, and amenities. Newer master-planned communities like Shadow Creek Ranch tend to have higher prices and mandatory HOA fees of $50-100 per month. More established neighborhoods offer lower prices but may have older homes requiring more maintenance.
- Median 2BR Apartment Rent: $1,650/month
- Typical 3BR House Mortgage: $2,100/month
- HOA Fees (Master-Planned): $50-100/month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Pearland are relatively affordable compared to the national average. Residents can expect to pay around $150 per month for electricity, with costs spiking to $200 or more during the hot summer months due to high air conditioning usage. Natural gas, used for heating and cooking, averages $40 per month.
Water, sewer, and trash services are often bundled together and billed by the city. A typical household pays approximately $80 per month for these combined services. High-speed internet from providers like Comcast or AT&T ranges from $50 to $100 per month depending on the plan.
| Utility | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 ($200+ summer) |
| Natural Gas | $40 |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $80 |
| Internet | $50-100 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs in Pearland are on par with the Houston metro average. A single person can expect to spend around $300 per month on groceries, while a family of four typically spends $900 or more. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and occasional dining out.
To feed a family of four in Pearland, a typical grocery list might include:
- Milk (1 gal): $3.50
- Bread (1 loaf): $2.75
- Eggs (1 dozen): $2.50
- Chicken Breasts (1 lb): $4.00
- Apples (1 lb): $2.00
Eating out can add up quickly. A meal at a casual restaurant averages $12-15 per person, while fast food combo meals are around $8. Household items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods add another $150 or so to the monthly budget.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Pearland residents pay a property tax rate of approximately 2.5% of their home’s assessed value. For a $365,000 house, this equates to $9,125 per year or $760 per month. Renters should factor this into their budgets indirectly, as landlords pass on this cost.
Texas has no state income tax, but sales tax in Pearland is 8.25%, which includes the 6.25% state rate plus 2% in local taxes. Vehicle registration fees are $50-80 per year depending on the type of vehicle.
Some neighborhoods have mandatory HOA fees to maintain common areas and amenities. These can range from $20 in older subdivisions to $100+ per month in newer master-planned communities. Trash and recycling pickup is often included in city utility bills but can be a separate fee of $15-20 per month in some areas.
Summary Monthly Budget
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Pearland? The table below shows an estimated monthly budget for a single person, a couple, and a family of four. Note that these are pre-tax gross income figures.
| Expense | Single | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,300 | $1,650 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $200 | $270 | $350 |
| Groceries | $300 | $500 | $900 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $750 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other Necessities | $250 | $400 | $500 |
| Discretionary | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $3,000 | $4,420 | $6,200 |
Lifestyle Considerations
Pearland offers a high quality of life for those who value affordability, newer homes, and suburban amenities. The city has grown rapidly in recent decades, with many master-planned communities featuring pools, parks, playgrounds, and trails.
However, this comes with tradeoffs. Commute times can be long, with an average one-way commute of 30 minutes to job centers like the Texas Medical Center or downtown Houston. Public transit options are limited, so most households need one car per adult.
Lot sizes tend to be smaller in newer subdivisions compared to more established neighborhoods. Older homes are more affordable but may require updating. Still, Pearland offers a good balance of housing options to fit different budgets and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in Pearland?
A: A gross income of at least $3,000 per month for a single person, $4,400 for a couple, or $6,200 for a family of four is recommended to live comfortably in Pearland. - Q: Is Pearland more affordable than living in central Houston?
A: Yes, housing costs in Pearland are typically 20-30% lower than comparable homes or apartments inside the Loop in central Houston. However, transportation costs are higher. - Q: Are utilities expensive in Pearland?
A: Utility costs in Pearland are lower than the national average. Expect to pay around $200 per month for a single person or up to $350 for a family, with costs higher in summer. - Q: How much is the average grocery bill in Pearland?
A: A single person spends around $300 per month on groceries in Pearland, while a family of four typically spends $900 or more, assuming a mix of cooking at home and dining out. - Q: Do I need a car to get around Pearland?
A: Yes, a car is needed for most errands and commuting in Pearland. Public transit options are very limited. Budget for a vehicle, gas, insurance, and maintenance. - Q: What is the sales tax rate in Pearland?
A: The total sales tax rate in Pearland is 8.25%, which includes the Texas state rate of 6.25% plus 2% in local taxes. This applies to most goods and some services. - Q: Are there any additional housing costs to budget for?
A: Factor in property taxes of 2.5% of home value for owners and possible HOA fees of $20-100+ per month for both owners and renters, depending on the neighborhood. - Q: How does the cost of living in Pearland compare to other Houston suburbs?
A: Pearland is relatively affordable compared to suburbs like Sugar Land or The Woodlands. It is more expensive than outlying areas like Baytown or Pasadena.