What is take-home pay on $80,000 in Houston?

A single W-2 filer keeps about $65,110 a year, or $5,426 a month (81.4% of gross).

Can you afford rent on $80,000 in Houston?

Typical 1-bedroom rent is $1,350/month. The 30% rule implies about $54,000 of gross income. Comfortable single-earner budget: $82,000.

Stretch

Is $80,000 enough in Houston?

Q: Is $80,000 a good salary in Houston in 2026?

It can work, but Houston will feel tight. Housing will take a large share of take-home pay unless you have a roommate, cheaper neighborhood, or remote-location arb.

It can work, but Houston will feel tight. After federal, FICA, Texas tax, and any local wage tax, take-home is about $65,110.

Housing will take a large share of take-home pay unless you have a roommate, cheaper neighborhood, or remote-location arb.

2026 paycheck inputs

Gross pay

Match the frequency below. Hourly is hours per week × 52. Dollar signs and commas are fine.

Frequency

Hours / week

State

City (optional local tax)

Filing status

Employment

Traditional 401(k) / year

Local tax override %

Take-home

$65,110

$5,426 a month · 81.4% of gross after tax

Monthly: $5,426
Biweekly: $2,504
Weekly: $1,252
Hourly take-home: $31.30
Effective tax rate: 18.6%
Federal marginal: 22.0%

Federal income tax	$8,770
State income tax	$0
Social Security	$4,960
Medicare	$1,160
Total tax	$14,890

Texas has no individual income tax. Property and sales taxes are not withheld from paychecks. Annual liability estimate for tax year 2026, not a W-4 withholding forecast.

State guide City cost of living W-2 vs 1099

Houston cost of living Texas paycheck calculator

FAQ

Is $80,000 a good salary in Houston in 2026?

What is take-home pay on $80,000 in Houston?

Can you afford rent on $80,000 in Houston?