Welcome to Houston, the largest city in the Lone Star State! Home to a multicultural community, international industry, and the iconic NASA Space Center, this city invites people from all walks of life to experience sweet Southern charm.
While finding an apartment close to all the excitement can be expensive, it is possible to work, play, and rent at a reasonable price. We’ve compiled a list to help you experience the best of the city without breaking the bank.
The five cheapest neighborhoods in Houston in 2026 are:
Greater Greenspoint
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Greater Greenspoint: $812/month
- Median home value in Greater Greenspoint: $204,000
Located in north Houston near George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Greater Greenspoint is a sprawling neighborhood with a mix of residential communities and commercial hubs.
Things to do in Greater Greenspoint
Residents frequent Thomas R. Wussow Park, which features walking trails, basketball courts, and playgrounds. For weekend activities, the nearby North Houston Skatepark—one of the largest in the country—offers a gathering place for sports enthusiasts. Local eateries serve a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Cajun, and soul food.
Transportation
METRO bus routes can take residents to Downtown Houston and surrounding suburbs. I-45 and Beltway 8 intersect the area, giving drivers convenient access to regional job centers and the airport.
Westbury
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Westbury: $854/month
- Median home value in Westbury: $350,000
Westbury is a quiet residential area in Southwest Houston that offers a suburban lifestyle within Houston’s city limits. Affordable housing and a strong local business scene attract renters seeking stability and green space.
Things to do in Westbury
Residents of Westbury enjoy easy access to the Willow Waterhole Greenway, a scenic 300-acre reserve with lakes, trails, and outdoor event spaces. Locals often visit Meyerland Plaza for shopping and dining or take short trips to nearby cultural institutions like the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land.
Transportation
Westbury is served by several METRO bus lines that connect to the Texas Medical Center and Downtown. The neighborhood is also near major thoroughfares such as I-610, US-90, and South Post Oak Road, making it easy to commute across the Houston metro area.
Gulfton
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Gulfton: $887/month
- Median home value in Gulfton: $438,000
Gulfton borders Downtown Houston. This area balances small-town vibes with convenient proximity to residents’ favorite attractions.
Things to do in Gulfton
Gulfton is rich in diversity, and renters can enjoy authentic global cuisine on every corner. Houston’s popular retail center, the Galleria, sits three miles north of Gulfton. Shop to your heart’s content before winding down with a drink at a local bar.
Transportation
Residents have easy access to I-69 and I-610, and METRO lines also service the area.
Chinatown
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Chinatown: $913/month
- Median home value in Chinatown: $300,000
Houston’s Chinatown spans several blocks southwest of the city center. This area is a diverse community, and the cultural richness makes it a favorite among renters looking for budget-friendly living with plenty to explore.
Things to do in Chinatown
Food is a major draw in Chinatown, with Bellaire Boulevard offering dozens of Asian eateries, bubble tea spots, and late-night noodle bars. Shoppers frequent Hong Kong City Mall and the Diho Square shopping center, while the Harwin Drive corridor features discount retailers and specialty stores. Community events like Lunar New Year festivals and weekly night markets add to the neighborhood’s energy.
Transportation
The METRO 161 and 162 express buses serve the area, linking residents to Downtown Houston. Drivers benefit from proximity to Beltway 8 and the Westpark Tollway, making it easy to reach major job hubs across Houston. A growing bike lane network is also increasing mobility for those traveling locally.
Oak Forest-Garden Oaks
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Houston: $1,180/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Oak Forest-Garden Oaks: $1,048/month
- Median home value in Oak Forest-Garden Oaks: $510,000
Oak Forest-Garden Oaks is a welcoming residential dream perfect for renters seeking respite from the rush of the big city. With its open green spaces and serene atmosphere, this neighborhood is the ideal place for renters to put down roots.
Things to do in Oak Forest-Garden Oaks
Take a breath of fresh air at Jester Park, where you can try your hand at disc golf or take a walk with the dogs. Wind your way through trails on the White Oak Bayou Greenway, then cool off at an outdoor pool. Head to the nearby Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest museums in the country, and see the newest exhibitions.
Transportation
While this area is highly car-dependent, quick access to US-290 facilitates commutes throughout the city.
Make the Most of Your Move with Apartments.com
Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find an affordable apartment easily. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine. Once you find the perfect location, narrow the search within a price range that works for you.
No matter the budget, the options are endless with Apartments.com. Ready to get started? Pay less, live more, and rent on.
Apartment rent and median home value data provided by CoStar Group’s February 2026 reports.
This article was originally published on June 6, 2022, by Sarah Catherine Fordham and has been updated.
