Is West University Place Expensive?

Houston, United States

+22% vs Houston avg

Living in West University Place, Houston

West University Place is one of the pricier neighborhoods in Houston, with a cost of living index of 73.4 — that is +22% compared to the Houston average. It ranks #3 out of 24 areas by cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,952/month, compared to a range of $1,152 in Pasadena (TX) to $2,160 in River Oaks.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of West University Place, housing takes up roughly 55% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $78,080 before tax.

Typical Salaries in West University Place

Salaries in West University Place reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 73.4:

After tax and deductions of 20.7% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $78,080 would be roughly $61,917/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

73.4
COLI Index
1.22x
vs City Avg
$1,952
Est. 1BR Rent
#3
of 24 Areas
20.7%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in West University Place

Estimated annual deductions on a $55,050 salary in West University Place, Houston (local employee).

Income Tax
13%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
Total Deductions: 20.7%
Est. Take-Home: $43,675/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in West University Place would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $55,050
London GBP £47,375
Dubai AED AED 275,458

Other Neighborhoods in Houston

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
River Oaks 81.3 1.35x +35%
Tanglewood 75.2 1.25x +25%
Downtown 71.0 1.18x +18%
Memorial 71.0 1.18x +18%
The Heights 69.2 1.15x +15%

View all 24 neighborhoods in Houston →

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Compare West University Place

West University Place vs River Oaks West University Place vs Tanglewood

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to West University Place:

Downtown Core, Toronto Old Town, Edinburgh Chapel Hill, Raleigh Gastown, Vancouver False Creek, Vancouver Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi

Frequently Asked Questions

Is West University Place expensive in Houston?

Yes, West University Place is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Houston. It costs about +22% more than the city average, ranking #3 out of 24 neighborhoods.

How does West University Place compare to the Houston average?

The cost of living in West University Place is significantly above the Houston average. With a multiplier of 1.22x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +22% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.