Spring, TX vs. Pearland, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Houston suburbs in 2025? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison between Spring and Pearland:
- 🏘️ Median home price: Spring ($325K), Pearland ($375K)
- 🏢 Average 2BR rent: Spring ($1,450), Pearland ($1,600)
- ⚡ Typical utility bills: Spring ($180), Pearland ($200)
- 🥑 Groceries for 2: Spring ($450), Pearland ($500)
- 🚗 Average commute: Spring (35 min), Pearland (40 min)
For families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real cost of living in Spring vs Pearland, we’ll dive into the details to help you decide which Houston ‘burb fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
Housing Costs
One of the biggest factors in any cost of living comparison is housing. Here’s how typical costs stack up for Spring vs Pearland:
| Housing Type | Spring | Pearland |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $325,000 | $375,000 |
| Average 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| Average 3BR House Rent | $2,100 | $2,300 |
🏆 Winner: Spring. Across the board, housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Spring compared to Pearland.
Utilities and Energy Costs
With Houston’s hot summers, utility bills are a key cost to watch. Here’s what to expect in Spring vs Pearland:
- Spring: Avg $180/month (range $120 in winter to $250 in peak summer)
- Pearland: Avg $200/month (range $140 in winter to $280 in peak summer)
Both cities offer “time of use” plans to save by shifting usage to off-peak hours. Rates are about 10% higher in Pearland.
🏆 Winner: Spring. Lower base rates give Spring the edge on utilities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a typical couple, expect to spend around $450/month on groceries in Spring compared to $500/month in Pearland. Eating out is also a bit pricier in Pearland, averaging $60 for a mid-range dinner for two vs $50 in Spring.
🏆 Winner: Spring. Everyday expenses tend to be 10% lower across the board.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are the main difference here:
- Spring: 2.31% average property tax rate
- Pearland: 2.73% average property tax rate
For a $350K home, that’s a difference of $1,470/year. Both cities have HOA fees in the $30-50/month range for most neighborhoods.
🏆 Winner: Spring. Lower property taxes give it the advantage.
Cost Summary
| Category | Spring | Pearland |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage*) | $1,560 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $450 | $500 |
| Transportation | $350 | $380 |
| Taxes (Property) | $627 | $740 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,667 | $4,170 |
*Based on median home prices with 20% down and a 4.5% mortgage rate.
Lifestyle Fit
While cheaper overall, Spring offers a bit more space and a slower pace compared to Pearland’s newer developments and faster growth. Pearland is about 5°F warmer on average than Spring.
Both are family-friendly with good schools and suburban amenities. Pearland has a bit more of a big-city feel and slightly better access to central Houston.
FAQ
Is Spring more affordable than Pearland?
Yes, Spring has lower costs than Pearland across most major categories like housing, utilities, and taxes.
Which city has lower rent?
Rent is about 10% cheaper in Spring on average for both apartments and single-family homes.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices are roughly 15% lower in Spring compared to Pearland as of 2025.
Conclusion
For most lifestyles, Spring offers a lower overall cost of living than Pearland, especially for housing. It’s ideal for those seeking a bit more space and a slower pace.
Pearland is a great fit for families who value newer amenities and easier access to central Houston and don’t mind paying a bit more.
Of course, cost is just one factor. We recommend visiting both areas to get a feel for the vibe of each. To dive deeper, check out our full cost of living breakdown for Spring or our monthly budget guide to see what you can afford.