Cost of Living in Texas: Updated Expenses for 2025
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The cost of living in Texas is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many residents. Texas' cost of living is about 8% lower than the national average. Major cities like Houston and Dallas offer a balance of affordable housing and job opportunities.
Monthly expenses in Texas can vary by region, but a single person typically spends around USD 1,200, without rent. A family of four might need approximately USD 4,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. This blog will break down these expenses to help you plan effectively.
What is the Average Cost of Living in Texas?
Understanding the average cost of living in Texas helps residents and newcomers budget effectively for their daily needs. Expenses vary across different categories like housing, healthcare, and food. Here is a breakdown of the average annual living costs in Texas.
|
Particulars |
Average Annual Cost (USD) |
|
Housing and Utilities |
7,540 |
|
Health Care |
6,593 |
|
Food and Beverages (non-restaurant) |
3,471 |
|
Gas and Energy Goods |
1,197 |
|
All Other Personal Expenses |
26,312 |
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Cost of Living in Texas Per Month
Monthly living costs in Texas can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and housing choices. From rent and groceries to healthcare and transport, several factors influence your total expenses. Let’s explore what you can expect to spend each month across the Lone Star State.
Living Expense in Texas: Grocery
Grocery costs in Texas are relatively affordable compared to many other US states, but they can still vary by city. Here is a list of the average grocery prices for common items across the state.
|
Particulars |
Cost (USD) |
|
Milk (regular), (1 litre) |
0.87 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) |
3.00 |
|
Rice (white), (1kg) |
2.97 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.26 |
|
Local Cheese (1kg) |
8.77 |
|
Chicken Fillets (1kg) |
10.90 |
|
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
14.13 |
|
Apples (1kg) |
3.44 |
|
Banana (1kg) |
1.53 |
|
Oranges (1kg) |
4.27 |
|
Tomato (1kg) |
3.53 |
|
Potato (1kg) |
2.83 |
|
Onion (1kg) |
2.77 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.91 |
|
Water (1.5-litre bottle) |
1.68 |
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Average Cost of Living in Texas: Housing Cost
Housing expenses make up a significant part of the cost of living in Texas. The table below provides an overview of average monthly rent in Texas.
|
Particulars |
Cost (USD) |
|
Average Monthly Mortgage Cost |
1,747 |
|
Average Studio Rent |
1,025 |
|
Average One-Bedroom Rent |
1,026 |
|
Average Two-Bedroom Rent |
1,155 |
|
Average Three-Bedroom Rent |
1,381 |
|
Average Four-Bedroom Rent |
1,725 |
|
Average Five-Bedroom (or more) Rent |
1,867 |
|
Average Gross Rent |
1,167 |
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Cost of Living in Texas Per Month: Utilities
Monthly utility expenses are an important part of budgeting when living in Texas. Here is an overview of monthly costs for common utilities in the state.
|
Particulars |
Cost (USD) |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment |
168.67 |
|
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10 GB+ Data |
25.00 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
65.67 |
Monthly Expenses in Texas: Transportation
Discussing the price of living in Texas, Transportation typically falls below the national average, thanks to the accessibility of oil reserves and the significant presence of the petrochemical sector, which helps stabilize fuel prices. The table indicates the cost of various modes of transportation.
|
Particulars |
Cost (USD) |
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.00 |
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
40.00 |
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.25 |
|
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) |
1.71 |
|
Taxi 1 hour waiting (Normal Tariff) |
20.00 |
|
Gasoline (1 litre) |
0.73 |
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Living Costs in Texas: Restaurant Meal Costs
Dining out in Texas is relatively affordable, with prices varying slightly across cities and restaurant types. The table below outlines the restaurant meal cost in the state.
|
Particulars |
Cost (USD) |
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
16.99 |
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
60.00 |
|
McMeal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) |
4.75 |
|
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) |
7.00 |
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.03 |
|
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) |
1.30 |
|
Water (0.33 litre bottle) |
1.93 |
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Cost to Live in Texas, USA: Healthcare
Healthcare costs in Texas vary across cities, with the city of Houston in Texas offering some of the lowest costs due to its robust healthcare infrastructure centred around the Texas Medical Centre.
- The average monthly health insurance premium in Texas across all plan tiers is approximately $470.
- For a 40-year-old individual, a Silver-tier plan, suitable for the average consumer, costs around $590 per month.
Average Living Expenses in Texas: Taxes
One of the appealing aspects of residing in Texas is the absence of state income tax, presenting an opportunity for considerable cost savings among residents.
- Residents are subject to a 6.25% state sales tax, contributing to an average total sales tax rate of 8.2%.
- Texas property taxes are relatively high, with an average effective property tax rate of 1.83%.
- Some areas in Texas feature lower property tax rates, and homeowners can leverage various tax exemptions.
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Cheapest Cities to Live in Texas
Texas offers several cities that combine affordability with quality living, making them ideal for budget-conscious residents. From lower rent prices to a below-average cost of living, these cities stand out across the state. Here is an overview of the most affordable places to live in Texas.
|
City |
Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
Cost of Living Compared to National Average |
Average Household Income (USD) |
Population |
|
Abilene |
1,295 |
19.8% lower |
62,720 |
129,043 |
|
Killeen |
1,200 |
16.3% lower |
58,339 |
159,643 |
|
El Paso |
1,525 |
18.1% lower |
58,734 |
678,958 |
|
Amarillo |
1,375 |
26.4% lower |
62,469 |
202,408 |
|
San Antonio |
1,678 |
8.7% lower |
64,146 |
1,495,295 |
|
Corpus Christi |
1,595 |
16.5% lower |
66,325 |
316,595 |
|
Brownsville |
1,500 |
25.1% lower |
48,675 |
190,158 |
|
San Angelo |
1,350 |
18.9% lower |
64,146 |
99,262 |
|
Wichita Falls |
1,200 |
23.7% lower |
58,568 |
102,691 |
|
Lubbock |
1,399 |
18.9% lower |
60,487 |
266,878 |
Navigating the Texan Way of Life with GetGIS
In conclusion, understanding the cost of living in Texas is crucial for anyone considering a move to the State. Texas offers a diverse range of living expenses to suit various budgets and lifestyles. However, making the transition smoother and maximizing your experience in Texas is where GetGIS steps in.
Whether you're seeking assistance with obtaining permanent residency, planning to study abroad, or needing post-landing services, GetGIS provides support to help you settle seamlessly.
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