Cost Of Living In Texas 2023 | Bankrate (2024)

The Lone Star State is one of the most rapidly growing states in the country. Its population increased by more than 4 million people between 2010 and 2020. While many factors drove this growth — like job opportunities, weather and sizable, sophisticated cities — the Texan cost of living is also one of the top draws for transplants.

Housing prices may have soared across the U.S. in recent years, but the median cost of a home in Texas remains well below the national figures — homes in the state cost around $326,800 in the first quarter of 2023, according to Texas Realtors data, while the national median currently sits at $388,800.

Housing isn’t the only living expense that’s cheaper in Texas. Food, transportation and healthcare costs are all lower than the national average, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

What is the cost of living in Texas?

Like anyplace else, the cost of living in Texas varies depending on which section of the state you are talking about. The most expensive city by far is Plano: The cost of living here is 31 percent higher than the rest of the state and 21 percent higher than the rest of the country. Other cities are much more affordable than you might think: Houston and San Antonio are 8 percent lower than the national average, while El Paso is 10 percent lower. Even popular locales like Dallas and Austin are still just 2 percent and 1 percent higher than national averages, respectively.

Housing costs

Whether you’re buying or renting in the Texas housing market, you’ll find it more budget-friendly than many other places in the country. Still, Texas is not entirely immune to the forces that have been driving up real estate costs across the country. Housing prices are a core part of inflation, which has been high enough for the Fed to hike interest rates steadily over the past year.

The median sale price of a home in the state increased 0.6 percent in the first quarter of 2023 compared with the same time a year ago, putting the price at $326,800. Despite the year-over-year increase, that’s still more than $50K cheaper than the nationwide median.

Rental costs are also well lower than national averages. You can expect to spend an average of about $1,446 per month on an apartment in the state, compared to $1,967 nationally, according to data from Rent.com.

Utility, transportation and grocery costs

Utility bills are also below average in Texas. According to data from EnergySage, the average monthly electricity bill in the state is $155, which amounts to about $1,860 annually — 7 percent lower than the national average.

Cars are essential for most Texas residents, unless you live in one of the state’s big cities, where public transportation may be available. According to the MIT living wage calculator, a single adult will spend about $5,477 annually on transportation in Texas. For a family of four, that amount jumps to $14,484. The average cost of gas in Texas was about $3.06 per gallon as of mid-May, per AAA, which makes it one of the least expensive states in the nation for gasoline (perhaps not surprising given the state’s oil industry).

As for food prices in Texas, MIT data shows that a single adult spends about $3,926 a year on food, which amounts to about $327 per month. For a family of four, the annual expense is $11,564.

Local taxes

The good news on the local-tax front is that Texas is one of a few states that does not charge residents a state income tax.

However, property taxes here are far steeper than the majority of the country. The property tax rate is 1.6 percent, making Texas the sixth most expensive of the 50 states, according to the Tax Foundation. One piece of good news for older homeowners: State tax code allows taxpayers 65 years of age or older to defer their property taxes until their estates are settled after death. And in 2022, a measure passed to essentially cut school district property taxes for homeowners who are 65 and older or disabled.

Cities and counties add additional sales taxes onto the base state rate of 6.25 percent. For example, in Houston there is an additional city tax of 1 percent and transit tax of 1 percent, for a combined total of 8.25 percent. In San Antonio, the city tax is 1.25 percent and the transit taxes are 0.75 percent, for the same combined total. The combined state and local average sales tax rate for Texas overall is 8.20 percent, per the Tax Foundation.

Texas’s job market

Texas is famously home to a booming oil and gas industry, and major employers include BP and ExxonMobil. The tech industry is also well represented, especially in the Austin area.

This robust job market may be partially due to a huge population boom: According to a recent Census report, the state gained more than 9 million new residents between 2000 and 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the country and helping it become only the second state in the U.S. with a population of more than 30 million.

However, the state’s unemployment rate was 4.0 percent as of April 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is above the national rate of 3.4 percent.

Next steps: Moving to Texas

Whenever you’re considering a move to a new state, it’s a good idea to spend some time there first, exploring the various cities and even individual neighborhoods. From big cities like Dallas and Houston to more rural regions in Texas Hill Country, there are many different ways of life and styles of living in the Lone Star State.

It’s also important to consider your budget. Analyze your income and spending to make sure you can afford the cost of living in the state. Though it varies widely depending on local markets, MIT’s living wage calculator estimates that a single adult with no children would need to earn around $35,000 to make ends meet in Texas.

Finding a local real estate agent who knows the area you’re interested in well is a great first step. A buying agent’s job is to help you navigate the options — put their expertise to work for you.

FAQs

  • Texas is actually one of the more affordable states in the country. Compared to national averages, living expenses here tend to be cheaper — though how much cheaper varies based on where you choose to live in the state. Even in big, popular cities like Dallas and Austin, the cost of living is right on par with the national average, while Houston, San Antonio and El Paso, as well as less well-known areas, are 8 percent or more lower than the national average.

  • As of the first quarter of 2023, the median home price in the state was $326,800, according to Texas Realtors. That’s well below the nationwide median price of $388,800.

Cost Of Living In Texas 2023 | Bankrate (2024)

FAQs

Cost Of Living In Texas 2023 | Bankrate? ›

Average Cost of Living in Texas: $45,114 per year.

How much does it cost to live comfortably in Texas? ›

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average cost of living per person in Texas was $39,661 per year in 2020, making it America's 20th least expensive place to live.

Is it getting more expensive to live in Texas? ›

Housing costs

The median sale price of a home in the state increased 0.6 percent in the first quarter of 2023 compared with the same time a year ago, putting the price at $326,800. Despite the year-over-year increase, that's still more than $50K cheaper than the nationwide median.

How much does it cost to live in Dallas in 2023? ›

A family of four estimated monthly costs are 4,061.9$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,148.1$ without rent. Dallas is 21.8% less expensive than New York (without rent). Rent in Dallas is, on average, 45.3% lower than in New York.

What is the cost of living in Austin Texas 2023? ›

Overall, the cost of living in Austin is 119.3, which is 19.3% higher than the U.S. average of 100. This means that it costs residents of Austin $119.30 to buy the same amount of goods and services that cost $100 in the U.S. on average.

What is a good hourly wage in Texas? ›

$13.11 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. $26.43 is the 75th percentile.

What is considered low income in Texas? ›

Low Income and Household Size in Texas

As of 2022, the federal poverty line sets $1,510 a month, or $18,120 a year, as the threshold for low-income adults who live alone. This rises with an increasing household size, to $18,310 for a family of two and $23,030 for three people in the same household.

Is it smart to move to Texas? ›

Warm and tax-friendly, living in Texas is a great idea. With many diverse cities and endless job opportunities, Texas is a popular destination for young professionals, families, and retirees. Compared to living in Florida, Texas is slightly cheaper and just as warm as the sunshine state.

What is the average cost of living in Texas for a single person? ›

Average Cost of Living in Texas: $45,114 per year

So how much does it cost to live in Texas? According to 2021 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis the average total personal consumption cost in Texas is $45,114 per year. Here's how that breaks down. That's $3,760 a month, per person, on average.

Is Texas the cheapest state to live in? ›

Is Texas expensive to live in? No, Texas is veyr affordable relative to other states in the U.S. In fact, the average cost of living there is 8% lower than the national average, according to a Cost of Living Index.

Is it cheaper to live in Dallas or Austin? ›

Austin is ranked 71 on a list of 500 U.S. metro areas when it comes to the cost of living. Dallas on the other hand boasts a cost of living that is higher than the national average and Austin.

What is a livable salary in Dallas? ›

According to the study, a North Texas resident without children would need to make $64,742 after taxes to live comfortably. The study is based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator, which uses the cost housing, food, transportation, medical care and more.

What's minimum wage in Dallas Texas? ›

Under the Federal Minimum Wage policy, Texas employers should not pay their employees under $7.25 per hour unless you or your occupation is specifically exempted from the minimum wage under the state or federal law.

What is a livable salary in Austin Texas? ›

Living Wage Calculation for Austin County, Texas
1 ADULT2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING)
0 Children2 Children
Living Wage$14.91$23.04
Poverty Wage$6.53$6.67
Minimum Wage$7.25$7.25

What is a good salary in Austin Texas? ›

As of Jun 2, 2023, the average annual pay for a Well+Good in Austin is $56,229 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $27.03 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,081/week or $4,685/month.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Austin Texas? ›

In Austin, the study found that a single adult would need to be making $55,186 after taxes. If you were in a couple and only 1 adult worked, you would need to make $87,314. The income increases per child and per partner situation.

Is $21 an hour good in Texas? ›

Texas ranks number 10 out of 50 states nationwide for 21 An Hour job salaries.

How much is $25 an hour annually in Texas? ›

As of May 24, 2023, the average annual pay for a 25 Hr in Texas is $38,018 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $18.28 an hour. This is the equivalent of $731/week or $3,168/month.

Is $16 an hour good pay in Texas? ›

Texas ranks number 46 out of 50 states nationwide for $16 An Hour job salaries.

What is middle class income in Texas? ›

The nation's median household income was $70,784 in 2021, according to census data. In Texas, you need to make between $44,865 and $133,926 to fall into middle class.

What yearly salary is considered poor? ›

For a single person in the continental United States, the 2022 federal poverty level is $13,590. For each additional person in the household, the federal poverty level increased by $4,720. (So for a household of three, for example, the 2022 federal poverty level is $23,030.)

What is the monthly income limit for food stamps in Texas? ›

Maximum Monthly Income Limits
Family sizeMaximum monthly income
1$1,775
2$2396
3$3,020
4$3,644
2 more rows

What is the best city to live in Texas? ›

  1. Round Rock. Around 15 miles north of Austin, Round Rock isn't just the best place to live in Texas — based on our scoring model, this is the best place to live in the entire country. ...
  2. Arlington. ...
  3. Midland. ...
  4. Houston. ...
  5. San Antonio. ...
  6. 2023 Cost of Living in Austin, Texas.
May 24, 2023

What are 3 good reasons to move to Texas? ›

Top Ten Reasons to Move to Texas
  • Affordable Living. One of the most practical reasons to move to Texas is that Texas homes are comparatively affordable. ...
  • No State Income Tax. ...
  • Endless Job Opportunities. ...
  • Top-Notch Higher Education. ...
  • Weather. ...
  • The Texas Hill Country. ...
  • Southern Hospitality. ...
  • The Culture.

How much money do I need to move to Texas? ›

What salary do you need to live in Texas? A single person needs a salary of at least $30,780 to cover all of their bills in Texas. If you have a working spouse to split living expenses with, you'll only need to earn $23,155 per year. Families with kids need a slightly higher income to get by.

Why is rent so high in Texas? ›

Renters are seeing their housing costs jump as population increases, strict zoning regulations and rising home sales push up rent prices.

What is the average phone bill in Texas? ›

Austinites pay more in bills than anyone else in Texas, study says
Bill CategoryAverage Texas Monthly BillNational Average Monthly Bill
Health Insurance$93$113
Mobile Phone$116$102
Alarm & Security$96$87
Life Insurance$74$88
6 more rows
Nov 17, 2021

How much are utilities per month in Texas? ›

Key Takeaways. The average monthly cost for utility bills in Texas is around $396/month. Many factors impact your utility bill, including the size of your property, the number of people living with you, how often you use your appliances, and your Internet/cable plan.

What is the safest place to live in Texas? ›

Chapters
CityPopulationUpHomes Safety Rank
Prosper28,8251
Flower Mound75,0502
Leander57,6963
Wylie55,4264
11 more rows
May 23, 2023

Where is the most affordable place to live in Texas? ›

Cedar Park. According to the study, Cedar Park was considered the most affordable place to live in the south, and in the United States as a whole, ranking at No. 1. “It has excellent wages, with a median income 22.2% higher than the U.S. median income.

What's the best state to live in financially? ›

Take a look at the 10 cheapest states to live in for 2022.
  1. Mississippi. Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. ...
  2. Kansas. ...
  3. Alabama. ...
  4. Oklahoma. ...
  5. Georgia. ...
  6. Tennessee. ...
  7. Missouri. ...
  8. Iowa.
Mar 31, 2023

Is Texas or Florida more expensive to live? ›

Not only is Texas 8% cheaper than Florida overall, but housing, utilities and groceries all cost significantly less in the Lone Star State. (Utility costs in the two states are about equal.) Overall, living in Texas is more affordable than living in Florida.

Is it more expensive to live in Dallas or San Antonio? ›

The cost of living in San Antonio, TX is -13.9% lower than in Dallas, TX. You would have to earn a salary of $51,640 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in San Antonio, TX typically pay -2.9% less than employers in Dallas, TX.

Is it cheaper to live in Dallas or Fort Worth? ›

Dallas tends to be more expensive, urban and busy. Most visitors and residents don't have the same “Texas feel” in downtown Dallas as they might in Fort Worth. Both cities have great shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

Is $80,000 salary good in Texas? ›

The reality is that 80K in Texas is considered to be a very good salary for any kind of Texas resident. 80K is considered to be a very livable wage if you live in the state of Texas and have a family.

What is a good hourly wage in Dallas Texas? ›

$13.28 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. $29.65 is the 90th percentile.

Is 50k a good salary in Dallas? ›

A good salary in Dallas, TX is anything over $44,000. That's because the median income in Dallas is $44,000, which means if you earn more than that you're earning more than 50% of the people living in Dallas. The average salary in Dallas is $57,293.

What is the average cost of living in Texas per month? ›

Average Annual Per-Capita Cost in Texas

That's $3,760 a month, per person, on average.

Is 80K enough to live in Texas? ›

80K is considered to be a very livable wage if you live in the state of Texas and have a family. It is estimated that a family of four can comfortably live off of this kind of salary without any additional income or funding.

What is the cheapest state to live in Texas? ›

  • Breckenridge. The cheapest place to live in Texas is Breckenridge. ...
  • Beaumont. The second cheapest city in Texas is Beaumont. ...
  • Wichita Falls. Located in north-central Texas, Wichita Falls is a cheap destination for nature lovers. ...
  • Harlingen. ...
  • Texarkana. ...
  • Abilene. ...
  • Amarillo. ...
  • Odessa.
Jan 10, 2023

Is $20 an hour good for a single person? ›

In the abstract, as a single person you could probably live alone off of $20 as a full time hourly wage with an modest studio apartment, using public transportation or having a modest and paid for car, and avoiding much entertainment or dining out, as long as your employer subsidized your health insurance costs.

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