{"id":27121,"date":"2026-04-27T08:45:52","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T08:45:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/didebta.com\/?p=27121"},"modified":"2026-04-27T08:45:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T08:45:53","slug":"cost-of-living-in-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/didebta.com\/?p=27121","title":{"rendered":"Cost of Living in Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"
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So, you\u2019re dreaming of moving to Texas\u2014and what\u2019s not to love? You can rock out at free live music venues in Austin, cheer on the Dallas Cowboys, remember the Alamo\u00a0at<\/em>\u00a0the Alamo, and eat all the brisket and Tex-Mex your heart desires.\n <\/p>\n

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Find expert agents to help you buy or sell a home.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

If you want to know if you can afford to live in the Lone Star State, you\u2019d have to compare the cost of living in your current city with the Texas city of your dreams. To help you make a confident decision on whether Texas is the right move for you cost-wise, we\u2019ll show you how much Texas charges for \u201csuper fun\u201d grown-up stuff like housing, food, taxes and utilities.\n <\/p>\n

Let\u2019s giddyup!\n <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Average Cost of Living in Texas?<\/h2>\n

Everyone knows everything\u2019s bigger in Texas. But does bigger<\/em> mean more expensive? Well, as it turns out, the cost of living in Texas is surprisingly affordable! In fact, the average cost of living in Texas is 9%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national average.\n <\/p>\n

Keep in mind, Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S.\u2014behind only Alaska (but don\u2019t tell Texans that)\u2014so there\u2019s a wide range. Some Texas cities rank from 20%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0to 8%\u00a0higher<\/em>\u00a0in cost when compared to the average U.S. city. <\/sup>\n <\/p>\n

How do we know? We looked at the Cost of Living Index (COLI) published quarterly by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The COLI compares 23 cities in Texas with hundreds of other cities around the country. A number below 100 means Texas has a lower cost of living than the U.S. average for that category\u2014take a look!\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Cost of Living Category<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Texas<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

U.S.<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Total\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

91\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Housing\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

78\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Utilities\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

103\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Groceries\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

96\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Transportation\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

93\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Health Care\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

96\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Miscellaneous\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

95\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Unless otherwise stated, all the numbers in this article come from the COLI. To better understand this index, let\u2019s take a closer look at each category.\n <\/p>\n

Housing<\/h3>\n

Okay, let\u2019s start with the\u00a0housing market. In the summer of 2025, median home prices in Texas were $375,000\u2014about 15%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national median of nearly $440,000.1<\/sup> Meanwhile, the median monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment ($1,252) was nearly 10%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national median of almost $1,400.2<\/sup>\n <\/p>\n

With prices like those, you might be wondering why you haven\u2019t ridden off into the Texan sunset sooner! Well, don\u2019t forget\u2014costs aren\u2019t the same everywhere in Texas. When you consider total housing cost factors, Texas ranges all the way from 43%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national average in the southern city of McAllen to 9%\u00a0higher<\/em>\u00a0in the city of Plano, north of Dallas.\n <\/p>\n

To find the Texas city that fits your budget, check out the cost differences between some of the best places to live in Texas:\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

City in Texas<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Median Home Price3<\/sup><\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Median Apartment Rent*4<\/sup><\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Austin\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$499,000\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1,473\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Corpus Christi\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$359,900\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1,242\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Dallas-Fort Worth\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$430,000\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1,483\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

El Paso\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$299,000\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1,085\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Houston\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$365,000\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1,360\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Midland\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$440,000\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1,883\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

San Antonio\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$330,000\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$1,244\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*Median monthly rent prices refer to two-bedroom apartments.<\/em><\/sup>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Utilities<\/h3>\n

Utility costs like energy and phone service in Texas range from 17%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national average in San Marcos to 27%\u00a0higher<\/em>\u00a0in Harlingen. Denton is somewhere in the middle range among Texas cities for utility costs at 1%\u00a0higher<\/em>\u00a0than the national average.\n <\/p>\n

Trust us, with that stifling Texas summer heat, you\u2019re going to want to crank up the AC.\n <\/p>\n

\"\"\n <\/p>\n

Groceries<\/h3>\n

Grocery prices in Texas have a much narrower range\u2014in a good way. No matter where you land, they\u2019re going to be at least slightly below the national average. That\u2019s right . . . no Texas city on the COLI list has higher-than-average grocery prices! They range from 8% lower\u00a0than the national average in Waco to 1%\u00a0lower\u00a0in Fort Worth.\n <\/p>\n

The capital city of Austin may have a reputation as a weird city inside and outside of Texas, but it\u2019s right down the middle with grocery costs\u2014at 4% below the national average.\n <\/p>\n

\"\"\n <\/p>\n

Transportation<\/h3>\n

Rev up your engines! Texas transportation costs range from 16%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national average in Harlingen to 12%\u00a0higher<\/em>\u00a0in the border city of El Paso. Fort Worth slides into the middle range for transportation costs among most Texas cities, which is 8%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national average.\n <\/p>\n

Since a personal vehicle is the main way to get around in Texas, you\u2019ll want to keep transportation costs low by getting the right insurance. Talk to one of the\u00a0independent insurance agents\u00a0we recommend to see if bundling your auto policy can help you save.\n <\/p>\n

\"\"\n <\/p>\n

Health Care<\/h3>\n

Texas health care costs range from 27%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national average in McAllen to 25%\u00a0higher<\/em>\u00a0in Plano. Meanwhile, El Paso sits in the middle range among Texas cities, with health care costs at about 2% below the national average. Not too shabby.\n <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a breakdown of how El Paso health care costs compare to the average city in the country:\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Health Care Type<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

El Paso Cost<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Average U.S. City Cost<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Cost Difference<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

General doctor\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$133\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$154\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

14% less\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Dentist\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$125\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$123\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2% more\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Eye doctor\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$151\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$139\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

9% more\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Ibuprofen\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$11\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$11\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0%\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Prescription drug\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$23\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

$23\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

0%\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Taxes<\/h3>\n

Guess what? Texas has\u00a0no state income tax!5<\/sup>\u00a0That\u2019s right\u2014if you don\u2019t mess with Texas, Texas won\u2019t mess with your taxes. Well, at least it won\u2019t touch your paycheck. Texas still has a state sales tax rate of 6.25%\u2014or 8.2% if you include its average local rate. That percentage ranks Texas as the 13th highest in the country for total sales tax\u2014cue the eye roll.6<\/sup>\n <\/p>\n

If all this tax talk makes you quake in your boots, don\u2019t worry. You can find out exactly how moving to Texas will impact your taxes by connecting with a RamseyTrusted\u00ae<\/sup> tax advisor.\n <\/p>\n

Miscellaneous Goods and Services<\/h3>\n

Miscellaneous costs refer to a wide range of goods and services including things like common restaurant foods, clothing, entertainment, activities and personal care. In Texas, these costs range from 24%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national average in Harlingen to 10%\u00a0higher<\/em>\u00a0in Plano. If this was an awards show, Harlingen would be cleaning up!\n <\/p>\n

Lubbock, the \u201cHub City\u201d and birthplace of Buddy Holly, represents the median of Texas cities for miscellaneous costs\u20143%\u00a0lower<\/em>\u00a0than the national average. In Lubbock, you can order a pizza for $11, get a haircut for $31, and buy a shirt for $45. For reference, those prices are $13, $28 and $39 for the average U.S. city, respectively.\n <\/p>\n

\"\"\n <\/p>\n

How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Texas?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In Texas, the median household income is $79,721.7<\/sup> But if you make that much, it doesn\u2019t automatically mean you can afford to live\u00a0anywhere<\/em>\u00a0in Texas\u2014at least not comfortably.\n <\/p>\n

If you want to live comfortably in the Lone Star State, first make sure you can afford your biggest expenses\u2014namely, your housing costs.\n <\/p>\n

Whether you\u00a0decide to rent or buy\u00a0in your new city, stick to the\u00a025% guideline\u2014never move into a home with a monthly payment that\u2019s more than 25% of your take-home pay.\n <\/p>\n

For home buyers getting a mortgage, that 25% limit includes principal, interest, property taxes, home insurance and private mortgage insurance (PMI)\u2014and don\u2019t forget to consider homeowners association (HOA) fees. Use our\u00a0Mortgage Calculator\u00a0to enter your down payment amount and try out different home prices within your budget.\n <\/p>\n

For a mortgage you can pay off fast, talk to our friends at\u00a0Churchill Mortgage\u00a0about getting a 15-year fixed-rate conventional loan. Any other type of mortgage will cost you extra in interest and fees and keep you in debt for decades. Trust us, following the 25% guideline will give you enough room in your\u00a0budget to balance housing costs\u00a0and your other living expenses with ease.\n <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Cost of Living in Texas vs. California?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In case you\u2019re curious, more people are moving to Texas from California than from any other state. In fact, 93,970 Californians moved to Texas in 2023. Meanwhile, only 38,732 Texans moved to California, according to the latest data by the U.S. Census Bureau.8<\/sup>\n <\/p>\n

Why are so many Californians moving to Texas? It could be because the average cost of living in Texas is significantly lower than the\u00a0cost of living in California\u00a0(shocker!<\/em>). To see for yourself, let\u2019s use the COLI to find out what it\u2019d be like, cost-wise, moving from a popular city in California to a popular city in Texas:\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Cost of Living<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Austin, TX<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

San Francisco, CA<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Cost Difference<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Total\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

95\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

160\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

41% less\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Housing\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

95\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

246\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

61% less\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Utilities\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

100\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

150\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

33% less\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Groceries\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

96\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

114\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

16% less\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Transportation\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

95\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

141\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

33% less\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Health care\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

89\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

126\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

29% less\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Miscellaneous\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

93\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

122\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

24% less\n <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Wow! As you can see, moving to a new city with a lower cost of living can be an incredible way to transform your financial life! But a big move like that isn\u2019t the right choice for everyone\u2014there are always more\u00a0pros and cons to consider.\n <\/p>\n

Compare the Cost of Living in Texas With Your Current City<\/h2>\n

Now you know the cost of living in Texas\u2014but can you afford it? If you want to be sure, try our free\u00a0Cost of Living Calculator\u00a0to determine how much more or less expensive it would be for you to live in the Texas city that\u2019s calling your name.\n <\/p>\n

If Texas has a higher cost of living than you can currently afford, not all hope is lost. Try one of these ideas:\n <\/p>\n