Cost of Living in Texas, 2023
As the second-largest state in the U.S., Texas has a lot to offer any prospective renter. Lone Star State residents enjoy a rich sports culture, country music, excellent barbecue, and generally mild weather. Moreover, Texas offers a unique southern charm and hospitality — the state's motto is literally "Friendship."
If you're tempted to make the move to Texas, you'll need to build an accurate budget to ensure the move is financially feasible.
This apartment guide will help. Here's everything you need to know about the cost of living in Texas to build your new apartment budget!
Navigating the Cost of Living in Texas
What Is the Cost of Living in Texas?
Not only are things bigger in Texas, but they’re also cheaper too! Considering how popular the Lone Star State has become, it’s great to hear that living in Texas is still relatively affordable.
The average cost of living in Texas is 5.8% lower than the national average.
| Cost of Living | Texas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 94.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 93.7 | 100 |
| Health | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 83.5 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $243,600 | $291,700 |
| Utilities | 99.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 103.3 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 83.2 | 100 |
Be sure to remember these figures provide an average across the state. After all, Texas is the second-largest in the country, which means the cost of living can vary across the state.
Highest Cost of Living in Texas: Southlake
The city in Texas with the highest cost of living is Southlake, a suburb of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The average cost of living in Southlake is 72% higher than the national average.
| Cost of Living | Southlake | Texas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 172 | 94.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 109.5 | 93.7 | 100 |
| Health | 99.3 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 314.3 | 83.5 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $916,800 | $243,600 | $291,700 |
| Utilities | 101 | 99.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 115.3 | 103.3 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 109.4 | 83.2 | 100 |
Lowest Cost of Living in Texas: Hidalgo County
On the opposite end of the spectrum you have Progreso, a small city in Hidalgo County. The average cost of living in Progreso is 31.3% lower than the national average.
| Cost of Living | Progresso | Texas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 68.7 | 94.2 | 100 |
| Grocery | 89 | 93.7 | 100 |
| Health | 97.7 | 100 | 100 |
| Housing | 22.3 | 83.5 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $65,100 | $243,600 | $291,700 |
| Utilities | 89.1 | 99.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 89.1 | 103.3 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 74.6 | 83.2 | 100 |
How Much is Rent in Texas?
Luckily, rental costs in Texas are relatively affordable throughout its major cities. Compared to similarly-sized cities across the U.S., Texas cities sit on the lower-than-average end. Here's a breakdown of the average rent prices for Texas's major cities, including Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
| City | Average 1-Bedroom Rent | Average 2-Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $1,083 | $1,298 |
| San Antonio, TX | $1,050 | $1,297 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,216 | $1,453 |
| Austin, TX | $1,425 | $1,734 |
Current rent trends show that Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, rent prices have decreased over the past year. Dallas rent prices fell slightly the past month by 0.4% and up by the same amount in a year-over-year comparison.
If you're looking to save on rent, consider renting with a roommate. For example, renting an average-priced two-bedroom apartment in Dallas and splitting rent with a roommate can net you $480 in savings each month. As a renter, your monthly rent will be among your highest expenses, which is why it's crucial to build your budget based on the estimated housing costs for your area.
How Much does a House Cost in Texas?
Those looking to own in Texas will also find that median home prices are on the rise.
| City | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $266,964 |
| San Antonio, TX | $298,626 |
| Dallas, TX | $329,378 |
| Austin, TX | $666,669 |
How Much Is Texas Transportation?
The average Texas resident with no children racks up $5,477 in transportation-related expenses each year, according to data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator. A family of four, including two working parents and two children, can expect to pay $14,484 annually.
Although the state's major cities offer public transportation options, none of them are comprehensive or convenient enough to sway most residents away from owning and relying on their vehicles.
If you're working remotely, you may be able to save money on your commute to work. Luckily, Austin, one of Texas' major cities, is one of the best cities for remote workers.
How Much Do Groceries Cost in Texas?
The average Texas resident spends $3,351 annually or $279.25 monthly on groceries. For a family of four, food expenses increase to $9,856 annually or $821.33 monthly.
You can catch deals on groceries by shopping at discount grocery stores such as Aldi or H-E-B, both of which have many locations throughout the state. If you’re a bargain hunter, shop sales and leverage the understated power of coupon clipping.
It is important to note that these numbers only represent food prepared inside the home. So, unless you're a meal prep superhero (seriously, good on you!) who can stick to cooking at home, you'll have to consider additional costs.
Of course, Texas residents have a hard time resisting the temptation of delectable Tex-Mex cuisine and savory barbeque, which is why your budget should include a line item for restaurant visits.
Here's a breakdown of the cost of a three-course meal in a mid-tier restaurant in Texas. We even added the standard 15% gratuity!
- Houston: $69
- Dallas: $89.13
- San Antonio: $64.98
- Austin: $69
How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Texas?
Healthcare costs can creep up on you and take a significant bite out of your budget.
The current average annual medical costs for a single Texas resident sit at $2,549. Families of four in Texas can expect to pay around $9,016 annually.
If you're moving from out of state, you can visit the federal healthcare marketplace to find coverage in your new area. Just make sure you report your move to a new state to ensure that you qualify for out-of-state coverage if it lies outside the enrollment period.
If you are under the age of 26 and are still covered under your parent’s insurance, you may still be eligible to remain under their insurance policy even after a move out of state. Just be sure to check whether there are in-network providers nearby.
How Much Are Utilities in Texas?
Depending on where you live in Texas, your utility bill may be higher or lower than the national average of $253.14 per month for basic apartment utilities.
Here's a brief look at the average utility costs for different Texas cities.
- Houston: $246.07
- Dallas: $268.10
- San Antonio: $240.36
- Austin: $230.27
These totals will cover water, electricity, and gas for a single month. However, they don't reflect the cost of all utilities.
Although "utilities" traditionally refer to water, gas, and electricity, a growing number of people consider essential services, such as internet and cell phone service, to be utilities too.
Further Expenses: Fitness and Entertainment in Texas
There's no shortage of fitness and entertainment options for Texas residents. Whether you love to run outdoors or browse art galleries, there’s something that will pique your interest.
To help get you started, we've broken down some of Texas's top fitness and entertainment options and their costs.
Fitness
If you're a fitness buff who prefers to work up a sweat in a gym, you'll have to work membership costs into your budget. Luckily, memberships are affordable. Here's what you can expect to pay for a Texas gym membership:
- Houston: $43.94
- Dallas: $44.96
- San Antonio: $37.35
- Austin: $48.25
Head to a Museum
Whether you’re an art lover or an amateur scientist, Texas offers residents many museum options to whet their appetites. Better yet, museums are very affordable! Here are some museum admission costs across the state:
- Dallas Museum of Art: Free General Admission
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science: $20
- Houston Museum of Natural Science: $25
- San Antonio Museum of Art: $20
- UMLAUF Sculpture Garden: $7
Enjoy Texas Sports
With a bevy of professional sports teams, a plethora of competitive college-level sports teams, and, of course, the rodeo, sports are deeply woven into the fabric of Texas culture.
If you’re a sports fan, you’ll have to work game attendance and other fan events into your budget. Unfortunately, it’s not a low-cost hobby. Tickets to professional sports teams vary wildly.
For example, you can expect to pay $148 for a ticket to a Dallas Cowboys game or head out to a Houston Texans game for $87 on average.
State Taxes in Texas
- Sales Tax: The sales tax rate in Texas is relatively low at 6.25%, though it will still affect your budget. Not to mention, the state tax rate is combined with local-level tax rates, so you can expect to pay a higher rate depending on your city of residence.
- No Income Tax: In excellent news for residents moving from states that collect income tax, a move to Texas means big savings. Both the state and local governments don’t levy income taxes.
Other Expenses to Consider in Texas
When it comes to creating a budget, accuracy is key. You’ll have to consider the major common expenses like food and housing. However, you should also consider the so-called hidden costs that are often overlooked when building a budget.
Including these costs in your budget will help to ensure that you are financially prepared for your move. One commonly overlooked expense in Texas is insurance.
Certain areas of Texas are prone to severe weather. For example, the Northern section of Texas lies in the Tornado Alley, and other areas of the state are prone to severe storms. It may be worth picking up an insurance policy that covers natural disasters, even for renters.
How Much Does it Cost to Live Comfortably in Texas?
Determining whether a move to Texas will fit your budget requires you to take a look at your income. An individual renting a one-bedroom apartment in Houston at the average rate of $1,062 should have a pre-tax income of around $3,540 monthly. This translates to a $42,480 annual pre-tax salary.
The golden rule of budgeting states that an individual should earn at least three times the amount of their monthly rent to live comfortably. If affordability is a concern for you, read about the cheapest places to live in texas.
This limit generally leaves more than enough left over to cover basic necessities, savings, and quality of life spending.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Texas isn’t for everyone. However, the state has a lot to offer any prospective renter seeking fun, good eats, and country music.
Take our quiz to get started on your search for the perfect Texas apartment!
You can also learn more about:
Dallas:
Houston:
Austin:
San Antonio:
FAQs: Cost of Living in Texas
How expensive is it to live in Texas?
The cost of living in Texas is 5.8% lower than the national average. However, the cost will vary greatly depending on where you live. Southlake, which is the most expensive city in Texas, is 72% higher than the national average.
In Houston, a one-bedroom apartment is $1,062 and a two-bedroom is $1,273. In Dallas, a one-bedroom apartment is $1,201 and a two bedroom is $1,436. In San Antonio, you'll pay $1,052 for a one-bedroom and $1,300 for a two-bedroom. A one-bedroom aparmtent in Austin costs $1,457 and a two-bedroom costs $1,774. Transportation costs in Texas amount to $5,509 a year for a single adult. Food costs $3,351 a year on average for a single resident of Texas.
Is Texas cheaper than California?
Texas is currently cheaper than California. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city like Dallas, Texas sits at $1,201, while the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city like Los Angeles, California sits at $1,644.
Is Texas cheaper than Florida?
Texas is currently cheaper than Florida, which is #20 most expensive state in the U.S. and has a cost of living that is 0.54% higher than the national average. Florida's most expensive city is Fort Lauderdale, where cost of living is 21% higher than the rest of the country on average.
Is Texas cheaper than Georgia?
Overall, Texas is more expensive than Georgia, which is the 7th cheapest state in the country. The cost of living in Georgia is 9.94% lower than the national average. Cost does vary by city, however. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Austin, Texas sits at $1,457, while the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta, Georgia sits at $1,523.
How far is Texas from California?
Texas is 1,407 miles away from California. It takes 21 hours and 41 minutes to get to California from Texas by car, 119 hours by bike, and 462 hours by foot.
How far is Florida to Texas?
Texas is 1,370 miles away from Florida. It takes 21 hours and 5 minutes to get to Florida from Texas by car, 109 hours by bike, and 472 hours by foot.
How far is Colorado from Texas?
Texas is 737 miles away from Colorado. It takes 12 hours and 32 minutes to get to Colorado from Texas by car, 61 hours by bike, and 239 hours by foot.
How far is Arizona from Texas?
Texas is 826 miles away from Arizona. It takes 13 hours and 44 minutes to get to Arizona from Texas by car, 65 hours by bike, and 258 hours by foot.
What is the population of Texas?
The population of Texas is 29,527,941. It is the second-largest and most populated state in the country.
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