Despite slightly lower rent prices, expert says Houston's affordability remains a 'real issue'

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A study by the Houston Association of Realtors shows rent prices in the Houston metropolitan region have slightly decreased over the last year.

HAR found the average monthly rent in the region was $2,050 during the first quarter of 2026, down from $2,075 during the same period in 2025, according to the report.

But does a slight decrease in monthly rent mean properties are more affordable for Houstonians?

"I think affordability is a real issue," Bill Baldwin with HAR said. "It's certainly an issue in the rental market."

Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research publishes a yearly report on the State of Housing in the Houston metropolitan region.

Caroline Cheong, associate director of community engagement for the Kinder Institute, said a decrease in rent doesn't equate to affordability. Cheong said wages have largely stayed stagnant in the face of inflation.

"There's (still) less income to actually spend on housing," she said.

She said people making between 30% and 50% less than the median household income in the area are struggling to find affordable places to live.

The U.S. Census Bureau says the median household income in Houston was nearly $65,000 in 2024.

Cheong and Baldwin both said anyone looking for a rental property also needs to look beyond the total of their monthly rent.

Baldwin mentioned the possibility of higher utilities if you move into an older unit, the cost of gas if you live farther from your job, and other expenses.