Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Houston, TX?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.7% of gross income.
Houston rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Texas state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Texas cities have lower median rent than Houston, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Houston
View full rent data for Houston, TX →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Houston, TX?
Median rent in Houston is $1,567 a month. A typical paramedic in Texas earns about $52,648 a year, which makes that rent 35.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Houston?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Texas (~$52,648/yr) supports up to $1,316 a month in rent. Houston's current median rent is $1,567/mo, which is $251/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Houston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $25 an hour, a paramedic in Texas works roughly 61.9 hours a month to cover Houston's median rent of $1,567.
Where is rent cheaper than Houston for a paramedic?
Nearby Texas cities with lower median rent include Carrollton ($1,566/mo), Cinco Ranch ($1,566/mo), Austin ($1,566/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.