Texas cost of living
Moving to a new state can seem daunting. There are a lot of details to figure out, but starting with the practical things can help all the other pieces fall into place. Before you know it, you and your family will be exploring your new surroundings and making new friends.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. To help with a smooth transition, we’ve gathered some details on the cost of living in the state.
The median rent in Texas is $1,488.89, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Texas spend $286.19 weekly on food at home and $118.37 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.03 in Texas.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Texas pay $1,681 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Texas
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Texas is $1,488.89, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Texas broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Texas had a median cost of $1,151 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,272 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,501 and $1,952, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Texas is $348,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area was $377,700 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The same data showed that the median home price in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area was $334,100 and the median home price in the Austin-Round Rock area was $466,700.
Texas ranks No. 6 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.68%.
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Food costs in Texas
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Texas is $286.19, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Texas residents spend an average of $118.37 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Texas
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Texas is $3.03, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Texas is $1,343.03, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transit opportunities depend on where you live in Texas. San Antonio ranked sixth in our 2024 ranking of cities with the best public transit. The average fare was 58 cents in 2022. Austin finished 22nd, Houston was 25th and Dallas was 39th.
Health care costs in Texas
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Texas employees $1,681 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,670 of the $7,351 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Texas
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Texas is $162.17, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Texas costs $13.53 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in Texas compare with the national average?
Overall, the Lone Star State is near the national average for cost of living, according to our 2023 survey.
Is Texas good for retirees?
Two Texas cities made the top 10 in our 2024 list of best cities for retirees: El Paso and McAllen.
How much do I need to make to live in Austin?
A single adult needs a salary of $68,771.75 to live comfortably in Austin, according to our 2024 analysis.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
