Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Houston earns roughly $119,529/yr (~$7,007/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,280/mo — that's 18% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
TX · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Houston?
Using local salary estimates and Houston's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Houston, TX in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$119,529/yr local estimate
$9,961
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$2,954
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$7,007
1BR rent
18% of take-home
-$1,280
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$190
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$350
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$4,837
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Houston could save roughly $23,220/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 18% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 18% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Houston is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
No state income tax in TX meaningfully helps. A physician assistant earning $119,529/yr saves roughly $5,379/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $119,529/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Houston's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Houston for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Montrose
LGBTQ+ hub, eclectic restaurants and bars, walkable for Houston; 1BR $1,400–1,800
Heights
Victorian bungalows, weekend farmers market, bike trail, young families; 1BR $1,500–1,900
Midtown
Dense, walkable strip, nightlife, close to Medical Center; 1BR $1,350–1,700
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Houston?
A Physician Assistant in Houston earns approximately $119,529 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Houston's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Houston affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 18% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Houston with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Houston?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $119,529/yr takes home roughly $7,007/month in Houston.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Houston?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Houston costs a median of $1,280/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 18% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.