Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Houston, TX

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Houston are Westchase, Southeast Houston, and Briar Forest. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Houston, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 29, 2025, the average rent in Houston is $1,193, which is 0% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Westchase

Average Rent

$1,064/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

849 Rentals

Located near the Energy Corridor, Westchase provides easy access to top employers and recreational spots. Enjoy well-maintained green spaces and a variety of shopping and dining options without stretching your budget.

Southeast Houston

Average Rent

$1,229/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

12/100

Units Available

2,953 Rentals

Southeast Houston captivates with its convenience and rich local charm. This neighborhood features an array of housing options close to schools, parks, and essential services. Easy access to major highways connects residents to Downtown Houston without the hefty price tag.

Briar Forest

Average Rent

$1,242/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.3%

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

977 Rentals

Surrounded by trails and lush greenery, Briar Forest offers affordable living with easy access to major highways like I-10. Westheimer Road on the south side of Briar Forest offers shopping options and Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail on the north side provides a scenic spot for outdoor recreation.

Briar Village

Average Rent

$1,290/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.3%

TransitScore® Rating

32/100

Units Available

1,058 Rentals

Briar Village in Houston, TX, offers an inviting selection of affordable apartments close to George Bush Park and the Energy Corridor business district. This charming neighborhood provides renters with nearby parks, recreational facilities, and a quiet suburban atmosphere. Briar Village's strategic location near the Westpark Tollway and Beltway 8 makes commuting easy.

Northwest Houston

Average Rent

$1,294/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.1%

TransitScore® Rating

3/100

Units Available

4,075 Rentals

Northwest Houston provides a convenient lifestyle with access to parks, shopping centers, and dining options. This neighborhood provides an ideal mix of affordability and amenities, making it a great choice for renters. From the serene trails at Bear Creek Pioneers Park to the diverse culinary experiences, Northwest Houston ensures you can enjoy the best of city life without straining your budget.

Southwest Houston

Average Rent

$1,359/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

6,718 Rentals

Southwest Houston is an attractive option for those seeking economical living without sacrificing comfort. Residents enjoy proximity to trails at Willow Waterhole Greenway, sporting events and concerts at NRG Stadium, and cultural activities in the Museum district. The convenience of shopping centers and public transportation make Southwest Houston a practical choice.

Woodlake-Briar Meadow

Average Rent

$1,391/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

48/100

Units Available

979 Rentals

Woodlake-Briar Meadow offers a slower-paced suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city’s vibrant nightlife and attractions. Its proximity to the Galleria area ensures plenty of shopping and dining experiences just minutes away. Woodlake-Briar Meadow balances convenient transportation and a peaceful environment, with tree-lined streets and nearby parks.

Spring Branch

Average Rent

$1,395/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

33/100

Units Available

1,810 Rentals

Spring Branch, located in northwest Houston, offers an affordable cost of living while benefiting from its proximity to major highways like I-10 and Beltway 8. Renters can enjoy convenient access to shopping at Memorial City Mall and The Galleria and outdoor activities at Bear Creek Pioneers Park and Memorial Park. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and reputable school district, this area provides a serene backdrop for everyday living.

Clear Lake

Average Rent

$1,404/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.3%

TransitScore® Rating

6/100

Units Available

1,201 Rentals

Clear Lake, located in the southeastern part of Harris County within Greater Houston's Bay Area, offers budget-conscious renters a chance to find affordable apartments amidst picturesque, tree-lined streets. This master-planned community is also conveniently close to the NASA Johnson Space Center and a variety of recreational activities along the coastline of Clear Lake and Trinity Bay. Clear Lake prides itself on its parks and outdoor recreational activities, making it the perfect location for nature lovers seeking proximity to city amenities.

Medical Center South

Average Rent

$1,406/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

51/100

Units Available

1,189 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Houston neighborhood on a budget, check out Medical Center South. The average rent is $1,406, compared to the city average of $1,193. Rent prices have decreased by 0.6%. Medical Center South is convenient to Lowrey Arboretum, William P Hobby, and Fannin South. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 54.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.