Cost of Living in Texas
Overall index: 91.1 — ranked #41 of 51 (below average cost).
Where your money goes in Texas
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Texas
Estimated annual spending: $58,442($16,558 remaining)
Metro areas in Texas
What things cost in Texas
| Item | Texas | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $295,000 | $360,000 | $-65,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,112/mo | $1,400/mo | $-288 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.21/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.29 |
| Electric bill | $87/mo | $137/mo | $50 |
| Infant childcare | $10,706/yr | $13,500/yr | $2,794 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.72 | $4.95 | $0.23 |
| Monthly groceries | $391/mo | $410/mo | $19 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Texas vs national average
What a salary in Texas is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,550 | $-4,450 |
| $75,000 | $68,325 | $-6,675 |
| $100,000 | $91,100 | $-8,900 |
| $125,000 | $113,875 | $-11,125 |
| $150,000 | $136,650 | $-13,350 |
| $200,000 | $182,200 | $-17,800 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Texas than the national average.
Compare Texas with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Texas?
Texas has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.1, making it below average cost (ranked #41 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $295,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,112/month.
Is Texas expensive to live in?
No, Texas is more affordable than most states with an overall index of 91.1 (average = 100). Housing is particularly affordable at 79.4% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Texas?
The median home price in Texas is $295,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,112/month. Texas's housing index is 79.4 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 20.599999999999994% below the national average. Costs vary significantly by metro area — Austin has a housing index of 115.
How much are groceries in Texas?
Texas's grocery index is 95.3 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.72 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $391, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Texas?
The average monthly electric bill in Texas is $87 based on the state's residential rate of 9.79¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Texas?
Center-based infant childcare in Texas averages $10,706/year ($892/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Texas?
A $75,000 salary in Texas has the same purchasing power as $82,327 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
How does cost of living vary by city in Texas?
Major metro areas in Texas include: Austin (103.5), Dallas (98.2), Houston (96.5). Costs can vary significantly from the statewide average of 91.1. Austin is the most expensive at 103.5, while Houston is the most affordable at 96.5. Click on a city above for detailed metro-level data.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Texas Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Texas taxes
- House Affordability in Texas — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Texas take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.