Diverse communities inhabit many of Houston’s neighborhoods, adding to a rich cultural experience cherished by many. Because Houston is so large, location is vital. Therefore, finding the perfect place to live that meets your needs while giving you room in your pocketbook is essential.
What is the average rent in Houston?
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Houston, TX, is $1,568 per month. However, many renters can acquire a comfortable two-bedroom apartment for much less than that.
The 10 most affordable neighborhoods in Houston
The key is choosing the right neighborhood that strikes a balance between budget and indulgence. Luckily, there are affordable neighborhoods in Houston that let you do just that! Many of these neighborhoods provide green spaces, easy access to the rest of the city, unique eateries and plenty of homes to choose from.
These are the 10 cheapest neighborhoods in Houston.
10. Northshore
Source: Rent./13029 Joliet St.
- Average 2-BR rent: $876
- Rent change since 2021: -0.46%
Northshore prides itself on large swaths of green spaces. This neighborhood is the ideal community for those wanting to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city while not being too far away. Retirees, nature-lovers and families with young children will enjoy Northshore’s local parks. Herman Brown Park is a popular relaxation spot with glistening ponds, lush greenery, walking trails, a playground and a picnic area. There are also softball, baseball and soccer fields for sports enthusiasts.
Nearby, Maxey Park unveils 13 acres where dogs can roam off-leash in designated areas. Maxey Park also has pet showers and drinking fountains for your furry friends. As one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Houston, Northshore is definitely worth considering.
9. Belfort Park
Source: Rent./5702 Lyndhurst Dr.
- Average 2-BR rent: $848
- Rent change since 2021: 0.00%
Belfort Park appears between South Park and Southeast Houston. Rows of affordable housing and apartments characterize this neighborhood, making it a perfect area for renters with young families. Several schools reside close by, including Mading Elementary School, Alcott Elementary School and Bastian Elementary School.
Another perk to living in Belfort Park is that it’s only a short drive away from William P. Hobby Airport, an international airport and the first in North America to achieve a five-star rating. Belfort Park is not only one of the cheapest places to live in Houston, but its residential community is a stone’s throw away from other major areas and attractions.
8. Hollister Manor
Source: Rent./8520 Pitner Rd.
- Average 2-BR rent: $848
- Rent change since 2021: +2.61%
Hollister Manor presents centrally-located apartment complexes in a decent-sized neighborhood. Pitner Pocket Park sits almost smack dab in the middle of this Houston neighborhood, offering a brief reprieve from the stresses of modern daily life. Not too far from Pitner Pocket Park are James W. Lee Park and Malibu Park.
To the south of Hollister Manor is Hollibrook Elementary School. School-aged children will enjoy the intermittent greenery where they can run and play after school and on the weekends. Adults will also appreciate a place to stretch their legs and get some exercise or have a picnic. In addition to being one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Houston, Hollister Manor is a unique area in which to raise a family.
7. OST-South Union
Source: Rent./7007 England St.
- Average 2-BR rent: $848
- Rent change since 2021: -0.54%
OST-South Union lies south of Downtown Houston, making it an attractive neighborhood choice. Prime attractions like the NRG Stadium, Houston Zoo, Japanese Garden and the Museum of Fine Arts – Houston are only a car ride away. In addition, the Texas Medical Center is just outside OST-South Union.
Various spots along Martin Luther King Boulevard in OST-South Union invite locals to delve into the city’s history and culture. The Shrine of The Black Madonna Cultural and Event Center hosts various vendors and events. OST-South Union is also an excellent location for those attending the University of Houston, which lies just outside its perimeter. OST-South Union is a culturally diverse area and one of the cheapest places to live in Houston.
6. South Park
Source: Rent./7339 Krueger Rd.
- Average 2-BR rent: $848
- Rent change since 2021: 0.00%
True to its name, South Park is a neighborhood on the south side of Houston. This quiet neighborhood features intermittent green spaces, businesses, salons and barbershops. F.M. Law Park features trails, a golf course and an indoor learning center. In addition, new attractions are also coming to South Park. In 2023, Southern Snow Park will make its debut in this Houston neighborhood. Southern Snow Park is an amusem*nt park with a 3-D mountain where you can ski, snowboard and practice various runs, despite what the weather is really like outside.
With multiple roads running through and around South Park, the rest of Houston is easily accessible. The fact that this neighborhood is also one of the cheapest places to live in Houston definitely makes it worth looking into.
5. Spring Branch Central
Source: Rent./4014 Willow Springs Lane
- Average 2-BR rent: $848
- Rent change since 2021: -34.48%
Spring Branch Central is a residential neighborhood with neat amenities. Residents take advantage of facials, body treatments and massage therapy at Skinrosse Clinic Spa before heading right down the road to the Nomad Tavern for barbecue, drinks, live music and a game of pool. Spring Branch Central also boasts an award-winning coffee shop, with Buzz & Bites named in the HoustonPress as the “Best Coffee Shop in Spring Branch/Memorial in 2021.”
Eclectic shops like Indigo Moons sell popular items like crystals, stones, books, jewelry, sage and more. In addition to being one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Houston, Spring Branch Central is community-oriented, with senior living facilities and a well-known school for special needs children.
4. Westwood
Source: Rent./Valle Vista
- Average 2-BR rent: $827
- Rent change since 2021: N/A
Located to the southwest, Westwood is a residential subdivision. Its various restaurants include Nigerian-style cooking at Safari Restaurant, West African specialties at Afrikiko, Filipino classics at Filipiniana Restaurant, baked goods at Tierra Caliente and Southern-style seafood at Lotus Seafood. Westwood is also the location of X10 Archery, featuring consumer goods and a premier training academy where students learn from some of the most experienced instructors in the state of Texas.
Nearby, Altierus Career College offers healthcare and trade programs to prospective young students. For one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Houston, Westwood has a plethora of apartments, condominiums and townhomes to choose from.
3. Lawndale-Wayside
Source: Rent./Oaks at Wayside
- Average 2-BR rent: $798
- Rent change since 2021: -14.38%
Lawndale-Wayside sits in the southeast corner of the city. One of its distinguishing features is its historic green spaces. Gus Wortham Park Golf Course is over a century old and one of the most iconic sites in the neighborhood. In fact, it’s the oldest operating golf course in the Lone Star State.
Nearby, Mason Park comprises 104 acres around Brays Bayou, complete with a baseball field, soccer field, tennis courts and swimming pool. On the other side of town, Urban War Zone Paintball provides interactive paintball and laser tag games on an extensive range. The classic area of Lawndale-Wayside is also one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Houston.
2. Eastside
Source: Rent./Villas at Park Place
- Average 2-BR rent: $781
- Rent change since 2021: -15.54%
Eastside comprises multiple neighborhoods and is a growing residential area. Family-friendly sites like the Houston Botanic Garden are here, which accommodate a wide range of plants and ecosystems. The Houston Botanic Garden has opportunities for community members to volunteer, and it also displays site-specific installations contributed by Eastside artists. In addition, elementary schools abound on the Eastside, and the neighborhood’s affordability attracts couples with young children.
Right outside the boundaries of this Houston neighborhood is the international Port of Houston, which serves as a significant employer in the area. It’s easily accessed via the nearby highway, making for a short work commute. Adding to the Eastside’s attractiveness is the fact that it’s one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Houston.
1. Pecan Park
Source: Rent./6616 Linden St.
- Average 2-BR rent: $776
- Rent change since 2021: +2.11%
Pecan Park is a residential community perfect for young families and college students. Nearby schools and daycares benefit children while young college students have a short commute to classes at Houston Community College. Specialty bakeries like Panaderia Tierra Caliente and Nancy’s Cake Designs create a quaint atmosphere for many occasions.
Popular places to work out include nearby establishments like A’s Boxing and Fitness and FitnessFX. One of Pecan Park’s primary advantages is the ability to live comfortably while on a budget, and it’s known for being the cheapest neighborhood in Houston.
The most expensive neighborhood in Houston
Downtown Houston boasts business opportunities for professionals, elaborate exhibits and displays for artsy folk, global cuisine for foodies, luxurious outlets for shoppers and major live and sporting events for thrill-seeking fans. No matter your interests, there’s no shortage of things to do Downtown!
This neighborhood is currently the most expensive neighborhood in Houston, with the average two-bedroom rent at $5,005 and a 30.58 percent rent change since 2021.
Find an affordable neighborhood for your next Houston apartment
Rent. is here to simplify your apartment–hunting journey by helping you find apartments for rent in Houston. The cheapest neighborhoods in Houston mentioned in this article provide the perfect place to start looking.
We also cover the costs of living in Houston in our extensive blog section to make things easier for people looking to relocate to this booming city!
