What is the cost of living in Bellaire?

Annual cost for a family of 4 in Bellaire is approximately $120,000-$180,000. ~40% above US average; one of most expensive Houston suburbs

What is the median home price in Bellaire?

Median home prices in Bellaire range $700,000-$1,500,000.

What is the property tax rate in Bellaire?

Property tax rate in Bellaire is approximately 2.3-2.5%.

What is the average rent for a 2-bedroom in Bellaire?

2-bedroom rentals in Bellaire range $2,000-$3,200.

How much does childcare cost in Bellaire?

Infant daycare in Bellaire averages $1,000-$1,400. Preschool averages $700-$1,100.

Cost of Living in Bellaire, Texas

Q: Does Texas have state income tax?

0% (Texas/Florida) Tax burden is moderate. Texas has no state income tax, balanced by property and sales taxes.

If you're considering a move to Bellaire, the most important question is: what does it actually cost to live here? Bellaire News has compiled the full picture — housing, taxes, utilities, transportation, groceries, healthcare — so you can plan accurately. Updated for 2026.

Quick summary

Estimated annual cost for a family of 4 in Bellaire $120,000-$180,000 ~40% above US average; one of most expensive Houston suburbs

Housing costs

Median home prices

Median home price$700,000-$1,500,000

Median rent (2-bedroom)$2,000-$3,200

Property tax rate2.3-2.5%

HOA fees (typical)(varies)

Bellaire is an independent city surrounded by Houston, known for tree-lined streets and excellent schools. Premium pricing reflects strong demand.

Taxes

State income tax0% (Texas/Florida)

Sales tax (state + local)~8%

Property tax rate2.3-2.5%

Vehicle registration (annual)$50-$100

Tax burden is moderate. Texas has no state income tax, balanced by property and sales taxes.

Utilities

Electricity (monthly avg)$120-$200

Water + sewer (monthly)$40-$80

Natural gas (monthly)$20-$50

Internet (100Mbps+)$60-$90

Trash + recycling (monthly)$15-$25

Transportation

Average commute~20-40 min typical for Bellaire commutes

Gas price (per gallon)$2.80-$3.40

Public transit (monthly pass)Limited; car typically required

Car insurance (annual avg)$1,300-$2,000

A car is typically required for daily life in Bellaire.

Groceries and food

Family of 4 groceries (monthly)$900-$1,200

Average restaurant meal (2 people)$40-$80

Cost-of-groceries index (US=100)95-105

Healthcare

Primary care visit (no insurance)$120-$200

Avg family health insurance (employer)$22,000-$26,000/year

Out-of-pocket maximums (typical)$8,000-$15,000

Childcare and education

Daycare (monthly, infant)$1,000-$1,400

Preschool (monthly, 4yo)$700-$1,100

Public school (free)Tax-funded

Private school (annual avg)$8,000-$20,000

How Bellaire compares

Bellaire commands prices comparable to inside-the-Loop Houston neighborhoods. Median home values are among the highest in the Houston metro.

Bottom line

Bellaire delivers premium suburban quality of life adjacent to the Texas Medical Center — but at a premium price. Plan for $120-180k annual costs for a family of 4.