Texas · Population 54,159 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Texas
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Texas is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 76 (where 100 equals the national median), Texas residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,200/month while earning a median household income of $65,447/year.
The median home value in Texas, TX is $190,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,183 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.0% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Texas has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.6% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Texas.
Common questions about living costs in Texas