Cost of living in Texas
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Texas are 2.9% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 97.1 (U.S. = 100), making it the #25 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Texas with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- California vs Texas prices
- 14.1% pricier
- Take-home in Texas at $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Take-home you'd need in California
- $70,263$5,855 / month
- Take-home in California at the same $75,000
- $57,843$4,820 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −17.7%−$12,420 a year in Texas buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in California whose take-home, adjusted for California prices, buys what your Texas take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Texas with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Texas as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Texas? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Texas prices by category
| Category | Texas | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 97.1 | −2.9% |
| Goods | 98.1 | −1.9% |
| Housing (rent) | 96.5 | −3.5% |
| Utilities | 87.5 | −12.5% |
| Other services | 97.1 | −2.9% |
Rents in Texas are close to the national average. The overall price level fell 0.1% relative to the nation versus 2023 (97.1). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Texas, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $7,645 | $42,355 | $43,639 | $51,516 |
| $75,000 | $13,408 | $61,593 | $63,460 | $77,274 |
| $100,000 | $20,820 | $79,180 | $81,581 | $103,032 |
At $75,000, Texas ranks #19 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Texas paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Texas equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Texas. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Texas once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | −5.0% | $71,256 | $73,910 |
| Oklahoma | −9.5% | $67,880 | $70,417 |
| Arkansas | −10.4% | $67,180 | $68,796 |
| Louisiana | −9.1% | $68,161 | $69,428 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | −10.4% | $67,192 | $68,754 |
| Iowa | −9.6% | $67,817 | $69,440 |
| California | +14.1% | $85,558 | $95,712 |
| Hawaii | +13.3% | $84,964 | $94,871 |
| Washington, DC | +13.2% | $84,925 | $93,837 |
| New Jersey | +12.1% | $84,078 | $91,596 |
| Florida | +6.5% | $79,912 | $80,734 |
| New York | +11.2% | $83,395 | $91,611 |
Moving from Texas to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Texas expensive to live in?
Texas has a price level of 97.1 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 2.9% below the national average. It ranks #27 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Texas?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $72,793 in Texas before taxes. After Texas taxes, $75,000 takes home $61,593 — worth $63,460 at U.S.-average prices, #19 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Texas?
Texas's housing price level is 96.5, meaning rents are 3.5% below the national average. Goods are 98.1 and utilities 87.5.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Arkansas (price level 86.9, −10.4% vs Texas). A $75,000 Texas salary is equivalent to $68,796 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.