cbrown89

Looked through the forums tonight for cost of living in Houston and saw that most had people PM them with answers so wondered if any would comment on the below.

I have a job offer to move to Houston from Calgary (originally from Aberdeen) with my girlfriend who I will be supporting until we get married. As such, I am trying to estimate the minimum amount of money required.

Monthly Bills
Utilities (electricity, water, rented 1/2 bedroom) - $80
Internet/Satellite (Mid speed/basic channels) - $100
Mobile - (two phones me and gf) - $80
Car Insurance for Jeep Wrangler (25 years old) - $150
House insurance - $20
Food bill for two (Walmart..) - $80

Are cabs relatively cheap? Calgary is very expensive $30+ for a 10 minute ride...

I've been told clothing, alcohol, shopping etc is relatively cheaper with taxes on salary being similar to Calgary.

Jerseygirl

I have never lived in Houston but two things stand out to me. Mobile phones...$80 for 2...I think you would be lucky to find a decent service for one for $80. Same with food $80 per month...$20 per week or $10 for one.

We have quite a number of members living in Houston who will no doubt be able to help you.

cbrown89

Doh we spend $80 a week!

I just took a look on T-Mobile - Family/2 lines at $80 + tax

Jerseygirl

My experience of living in the US is that nothing is what it seems. $80 may not be anything like what it actually costs.

BTW I am surprised you've not asked about healthcare. That is usually the #1 concern.

cbrown89

I've yet to see the healthcare package work provides and haven't put enough research into it yet. From speaking with a friend in the Houston office he said it is pretty good but there are still gaps. He mentioned something about innetwork and outnetwork coverage?

Mr Weeze

Utilities (very much depends on how you like the temperature in the summer), mobile & renters insurance look a bit low.

Again, the food bill very much depends on what you will eat but I don't see much room for it to get lower, but plenty of room to get higher.

I'd say overall you've estimated to the low end of just about everything other than car insurance, assuming you may get some credit for Canadian driving in the system. If not, there are ways around that too (AIG inbound scheme).

Taxis pretty much don't exist, so I honestly couldn't give you a price. People drive themselves pretty much everywhere. Meal out with alcohol? A significant % of the local population don't let that phase them.

I can't tell you what taxes are on a salary in Calgary, but there is no state income tax in Texas which simplifies things. As a single person, your overall tax (including FICA) without any deductions would be around 25% on $100k, 27% on $150k - note that there are huge generalizations in these numbers, because of the way US tax is assessed. As far as I know Calgary is relatively expensive so it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect clothing, alcohol etc to be a cheaper.

Owen778

I agree with Mr Weeze on most things again.

One thing you've missed is property tax, though that will likely be covered by the owner if you're renting.

And as for cabs, expect to spend near to nothing on them, since they are rare, expensive and often unreliable, more so in the suburbs where you are expecting to live and work. You will need your own car, and you will drive it to go almost everywhere.

hungryhorace

A couple of options for the OP:

ATT GoPhone $54 pcm via calling mart
Cricket (ATT) $45 pcm (with autopay).

Gets you to around the 90-100 mark per month.

Jerseygirl

Does that include all the taxes and fees they load onto cell phone bills?

AmerLisa

Another thing that stands out is that I believe you have to bring a spouse over on your visa rather than a girlfriend. I'm not up on all the visa jargon, but that's what I've read on here over time.

I'd check on that one first.

hungryhorace

Yep. Everything.

hungryhorace

Correct. Only a spouse qualifies for a derivative visa. A non married partner would only qualify for a B1/B2 visa which allows them to live with you.

Best get married..

AmerLisa

That particular visa is only for a short period of time, right?

durham_lad

As mentioned Health costs could be the largest monthly expense. We have pretty good HI through my employer at $381/month for a couple, $30 co-pay, $500 deductible, 90/10 coverage for in-network providers. Last year our average health costs spending including dental care (check-up and clean) was over $500/month and we are both pretty healthy.

hungryhorace

From FAM:

9 FAM 41.31 N14.4 Cohabitating Partners, Extended
Family Members, and Other Household Members not
Eligible for Derivative Status
(CT:VISA-1801; 02-09-2012)

The B-2 classification is appropriate for aliens who are members of the household of another alien in long-term nonimmigrant status, but who are not eligible for derivative status under that alien's visa classification. This is also an appropriate classification for aliens who are members of the household of a U.S. citizen who normally lives and works overseas, but is returning to the United States for a temporary time period.

Such aliens include, but are not limited to the following:
cohabitating partners or elderly parents of temporary workers, students, diplomats posted to the United States, accompanying parent(s) of minor F-1 child-student.

B-2 classification may also be accorded to a spouse or child who qualifies for derivative status (other than derivative A or G status) but for whom it may be inconvenient or impossible to apply for the proper H-4, L-2, F-2, or other derivative visa, provided that the derivative individual intends to maintain a residence outside the United States and otherwise meets the B visa eligibility requirements.

If such individuals plan to stay in the United States for more than six months, they should be advised to ask the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) for a one-year stay at the time they apply for admission. If needed, they may thereafter apply for extensions of stay, in increments of up to six months, for the duration of the principal alien's nonimmigrant status in the United States