The median home price in Houston for the first half of 2026 is estimated to be around $330,000, based on data from Zillow and Redfin, reflecting a gradual increase over the past few years.

Let's calculate based on standard loan conditions. With a 20% down payment, the loan principal would be $264,000, and assuming a 30-year fixed rate at the Freddie Mac PMMS estimate of 6.75%, the monthly principal and interest payment would be approximately $1,712.

Data suggests that the effective property tax rate in Harris County, where Houston is located, is estimated to be around 2.1%, making the monthly property tax for a $330,000 home about $578. Additionally, considering the characteristics of the Gulf Coast region, the homeowners insurance premium is estimated at $2,400 annually ($200 monthly), resulting in a total monthly housing cost of about $2,490 when combining principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.

Applying the DTI 28% rule, the required monthly income would be $2,490 ÷ 0.28 = $8,892, which translates to an annual income of about $107,000. The estimated median household income for the Houston metro area is around $78,000 according to census.gov, indicating a gap of approximately $29,000 based on median income households.

Comparing with nearby areas clarifies Houston's position. Suburban school districts like Sugar Land or Katy often have higher home prices, requiring incomes exceeding $120,000, while lower-density areas on the outskirts of the city are estimated to have required incomes around $80,000. Ultimately, Houston can be seen as having a moderate entry barrier among Texas's major cities.

• Median home price: approximately $330,000
• Total monthly housing cost: approximately $2,490
• Required annual income: approximately $107,000
• Houston metro median household income: around $78,000

For Korean households, if a dual-income couple has a combined income exceeding $110,000, they can access properties at the median price level in Houston without difficulty. Particularly, areas near Koreatown tend to have active property turnover, attracting inquiries for both residential and investment purposes.

Based on decades of observation, Houston tends to see income and home price trends move together according to the energy industry cycle. Therefore, it is realistic to consider not just current income but also future job stability when determining the timing of a purchase.