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The Cost of Living in Texas and What Your Money Can Buy in 15 Popular Cities
There’s more to love about The Lone Star State than just its scrumptious beef brisket, sunny weather and a healthy job market. Residents also happen to enjoy an exceptionally low cost of living in Texas. In addition to not having to pay state income taxes, Texas residents can easily afford to own or rent a home, as home prices tend to be lower than the national average in many cities. If you’re curious about what your money can buy in Texas, take a look at the cost of living data of these 15 popular cities below.
Note: These cost of living, groceries index and housing index numbers are presented in relation to the national United States average of 100. An amount below 100 means this city has a lower than average cost and amount over 100 represents a higher cost than the U.S. average.
The cost of living in Texas
1. Austin
Austin’s “weird,” quirky and tech-centric culture makes it one of the best cities for millennials and young professionals. The city has a cost of living that is slightly higher than the national average. Home prices are higher than the national average, but still relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the U.S.
Although Austin is slightly more expensive, you may be able to earn more in Austin, according to U.S. Census data. The median household income in Austin is $75,752, which is 20 percent higher than the median household income of $63,826 for the state. SalaryList.com puts the average Austin salary even higher at $84,071 per year.
- Cost of living: 109
- Groceries index: 92
- Housing index: 133
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Austin is $595,000, with an average of $332 per square foot.
2. Dallas
With its glitzy downtown, healthy job market and abundance of amenities, “The Big D” offers newcomers plenty to love about living in Texas. Dallas has a cost of living that is just below the national average. Home prices in the Dallas area are also well below the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Dallas also offers incredible employment opportunities. Nine Fortune 500 companies are based in Dallas itself, including AT&T, Tenet Healthcare, Texas Instruments and Southwest Airlines. Other top companies, like 7-Eleven, Frito-Lay, Topgolf, Pizza Hut, Six Flags and Match.com, have their corporate headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. If you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, Dallas is a good place to do it.
- Cost of living: 98
- Groceries index: 100
- Housing index: 82
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Dallas is $400,000, with an average of $229 per square foot.
3. Coppell
The Dallas suburb of Coppell is known for its tight-knit community feel, top-rated schools and easy access to The Big D. Coppell has a cost of living that is above the national average, but this is due to the higher-than-average cost of real estate in the town. However, Coppell has a great quality of life that makes it worth the extra you spend on monthly expenses and real estate.
The city is just minutes from the 8,000-acre Grapevine Lake where you can swim, boat, fish, hike and more, but you don’t have to leave Coppell to enjoy the outdoors. Coppell Nature Park and Andrew Brown Community Park offer additional trails and recreational opportunities. Considering a move with a family? Coppell has three top-performing school districts, including one of the top five best in the state, Coppell Independent School District.
- Cost of living: 121
- Groceries index: 107
- Housing index: 159
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Coppell is $525,000, with an average of $216 per square foot.
4. Corpus Christi
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi is home to a wide variety of wildlife, an abundance of sandy beaches, and plenty of things to see and do outdoors. Residents also live a very affordable lifestyle. Corpus Christi has a cost of living that is below the national average. Homes in the area are also exceptionally affordable.
Depending on the job you are looking for, Corpus Christi may or may not be a good fit. The local economy revolves around specialty steel production, natural gas, oil and the aerospace industry, thanks to the city’s proximity to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.
- Cost of living: 92
- Groceries index: 86
- Housing index: 74
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Corpus Christi is $260,000, with an average of $155 per square foot.
5. El Paso
This West Texas city offers residents plenty of history, outdoor walking trails, stunning natural beauty and the iconic El Paso Mission Trail. The city has a cost of living that is well below the national average. Homes in El Paso are exceptionally affordable as well.
However, the median household income in El Paso is $48,866, much lower than the median income in the state of $63,826, according to U.S. Census data. Although you are paying less for housing and living expenses, you may find it difficult to get a well-paying job in El Paso. Also, the city has a crime index of only 38, with 100 indicating the safest cities, according to Neighborhood Scout.
- Cost of living: 90
- Groceries index: 108
- Housing index: 70
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in El Paso is $229,000, with an average of $127 per square foot.
6. Fort Worth
Known for its iconic rodeos, top schools and tasty eats, Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. The city has a cost of living that is slightly below the national average. Home prices in Fort Worth are also very affordable, making it a popular spot for students, professionals and young families.
Need more reason to consider Fort Worth? Like Dallas, the city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including American Airlines and homebuilder D.R. Horton. Companies like Bell Helicopter and BNSF Railway are also based in Fort Worth, and SalaryList.com indicates the average salary is $78,909.
- Cost of living: 93
- Groceries index: 97
- Housing index: 79
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Fort Worth is $340,000, with an average of $174 per square foot.
7. Frisco
The Dallas suburb has been named one of the Top 100 Places to Live in America by Money magazine. The city has a cost of living that is higher than the national average. Real estate is pricey as well, with home prices above the national average.
For families, the higher cost of living may be worth it. The Frisco Independent School District not only ranks in the top 10 school districts in the state but keeps its classroom size small. As an example, the average elementary classroom has a ratio of 20 students to one teacher. Plus, most neighborhoods have a pool and playground as well as nearby sports facilities.
- Cost of living: 120
- Groceries index: 96
- Housing index: 156
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Frisco is $640,400, with an average of $224 per square foot.
8. Galveston
Located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, the city of Galveston boasts plenty of natural beauty, outdoor parks and activities. The city’s cost of living is below the national average, and homes are very affordable throughout the area. However, because Galveston is at sea level and susceptible to hurricanes, you will be required to carry windstorm and flood insurance. This could cost you $2,500 or more per year for combined coverage depending on the location of your home, its age, and other factors.
- Cost of living: 95
- Groceries index: 92
- Housing index: 86
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Galveston is $389,000, with an average of $294 per square foot.
9. Houston
With a healthy job market, ample cultural opportunities and tasty barbecue, Houston is a mecca for young professionals and families. Houston’s cost of living is below the national average. Homes in the area are also very affordable – especially when compared to other major metropolitan areas in the U.S.
Salaries are also strong in Houston, making it easier to enjoy your life or save for retirement. SalaryList.com indicates the average salary in Houston is $82,996, but those in tech industries could easily earn six figures.
- Cost of living: 94
- Groceries index: 92
- Housing index: 82
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Houston is $329,000, with an average of $170 per square foot.
10. Irving
Located just northwest of Dallas, this family-friendly suburb is home to a number of Fortune 500, including Exxon Mobile, Kimberly-Clark, Fluor, and Celanese. It also has several performing arts venues, excellent restaurants and attractions like the National Scouting Museum.
The city’s cost of living roughly mirrors the national average with the below-average housing costs offsetting the high cost of healthcare, utilities, and goods and services.
With so many suburbs to choose from in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, why should you choose Irving? Compared to other area cities, Irving is less expensive, and there are a lot of jobs, especially in tech. It’s also centrally located just southeast of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
- Cost of living: 99
- Groceries index: 100
- Housing index: 86
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Irving is $365,000, with an average of $194 per square foot.
11. Lubbock
Located in west Texas, the city of Lubbock is the birthplace of music legend Buddy Holly and the primary grower of wine-producing grapes in the state. Several wineries now circle the city, and a new performing arts and sciences center attracts world-renowned performers. The city is also home to Texas Tech, a public research university with one of the highest enrollments in the state.
Overall, Lubbock has a low cost of living and even lower house prices, but salaries aren’t particularly high. U.S. Census data lists the median household income at $51,623. You can find much-better-paying jobs by working for Texas Tech or in the healthcare industry.
- Cost of living: 87
- Groceries index: 95
- Housing index: 72
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Lubbock is $235,000, with an average of $123 per square foot.
12. Plano
This Dallas suburb boasts excellent schools, low crime rates and an especially healthy economy. Although the city’s cost of living and home prices are above the national average, the average salary is just under $80,000, according to SalaryList.com. It also has a low unemployment rate.
That shouldn’t come as a surprise with Fortune 500 companies like Alliance Data, Keurig Dr. Pepper, J.C. Penny and HP Enterprise Services based there. Additionally, Plano is just 25 minutes from downtown Dallas, and it borders Frisco, a hub for high-tech jobs.
- Cost of living: 113
- Groceries index: 96
- Housing index: 132
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Plano is $475,000, with an average of $202 per square foot.
13. San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the most popular places to live in Texas for a number of reasons. First, it’s home to the Alamo, SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. It also boasts a campus of the Culinary Institute of America, which contributes to the city’s fantastic food scene. And, of course, there’s the cost of living. San Antonio’s cost of living and home prices both fall below the national average.
The city’s military bases — Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, Randolph Air Force Base and Lackland Air Force Base — help stabilize the economy and offer government jobs and contract civilian work. Additionally, San Antonio has jobs in cyber security, the tech industry and manufacturing.
- Cost of living: 88
- Groceries index: 89
- Housing index: 74
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in San Antonio is $280,000, with an average of $159 per square foot.
14. Sugar Land
This picture-perfect Houston suburb is known for its many recreational opportunities, excellent schools and safe neighborhoods. While the city’s cost of living is 17 percent higher than the national average, residents can generally absorb the additional expenses. That’s because the median household income in Sugar Land is $123,261, nearly double the state average of $63,826, according to U.S. Census data.
If you move to Sugar Land, you’ll likely need some of that additional income to offset the high cost of real estate. Homes in the city are 59 percent higher than the national average, but Sugar Land boasts more trees, more water and better schools than you’ll find in other Houston communities.
- Cost of living: 117
- Groceries index: 92
- Housing index: 159
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Sugar Land is $435,000, with an average of $161 per square foot.
15. Waco
Located in Central Texas, Waco is home to the Dr. Pepper Museum and an abundance of family-friendly activities. The city is also an exceptionally affordable place to live, with a cost of living and home prices well below the national average.
However, the cost of living reflects the median household income of $40,349, according to U.S. Census data. Top industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, supply chain management, healthcare, and personal and financial services. Anyone with upper-level experience in these sectors can expect to earn much more than the median household income.
- Cost of living: 85
- Groceries index: 80
- Housing index: 62
- Median home price:The median listing price for a home in Waco is $245,000, with an average of $154 per square foot.
The Cost of living in Texas (by city)
| City | Cost of Living | Median Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | 109 | $595,000 |
| Dallas | 98 | $400,000 |
| Coppell | 121 | $525,000 |
| Corpus Christi | 92 | $260,000 |
| El Paso | 90 | $229,000 |
| Fort Worth | 93 | $340,000 |
| Frisco | 120 | $640,400 |
| Galveston | 95 | $389,000 |
| Houston | 94 | $329,000 |
| Irving | 99 | $365,000 |
| Lubbock | 87 | $235,000 |
| Plano | 113 | $475,000 |
| San Antonio | 88 | $280,000 |
| Sugar Land | 117 | $435,000 |
| Waco | 85 | $245,000 |
Ready to make one of these Texas cities your new home?
To learn more about these cities, check out Moving.com’s City Profile Reports. Our reports include city demographics, real estate information, quality of life factors and more. Simply enter the zip code or the state and city of your potential move to get a free report at the click of a button.
If you think you want to make one of these cities your new home, you may need to hire professionals to handle your relocation. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!