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Cost of Living in Texas 2026

Texas cost of living index: 100 (0% below the national average). Texas has no state income tax. Data as of January 2026.

📣 Texas at a Glance

100
Cost Index
(nat'l=100)
No income tax
State Income Tax
(None)
1,250
Median Monthly Rent

ⓘ Public Data Source: Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Data as of January 2026.

📊 Cost of Living Breakdown

CategoryTexasNational AvgDifference
Overall Cost Index 100 100 -0%
State Income Tax 0% (No Tax) 5% (avg) Best
Median Rent $1,250/mo $1,200/mo (avg) +4%

🏢 Major Metro Areas in Texas

Cost of living varies significantly between metro areas within Texas. Major cities typically have higher housing costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Texas in 2026?
Texas has a cost of living index of 100 compared to the national average of 100. Texas is 0% more affordable than the national average. Housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs all factor into this index.
Is Texas expensive to live in?
Texas is more affordable than the national average. Residents typically pay less across most cost categories compared to most other states. The biggest driver of cost variation is housing prices in metropolitan areas.
How does Texas's cost of living compare to other states?
Texas's cost of living index of 100 compares to an average state around 100, meaning Texas is notably more affordable than most other states. The most significant differences are in housing costs and state income taxes.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
Texas has no state income tax, making it one of 9 states with zero income tax. This is a significant financial advantage for residents.
What's the average salary needed to live comfortably in Texas?
To live comfortably in Texas (covering housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and modest savings), a single adult typically needs $55,000-$85,000/year. A family of four generally needs $90,000-$150,000/year depending on location and lifestyle. These estimates assume renting a modest apartment or owning a median-priced home.

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