With a 7% lower cost of living in Texas and a strong job market across various industries, this US state is never going to disappoint you. As per the latest data revealed by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average total personal consumption cost in Texas is USD 45,114 per year. Here is an overview of the average annual per capita cost of living in Texas.
| Category | Average Annual Per-Capita Cost of Living in Texas |
| Housing and Utilities | USD 7,540 |
| Health Care | USD 6,593 |
| Food and Beverages (non-restaurant) | USD 3,471 |
| Gas and Energy Goods | USD 1,197 |
| All Other Personal Expenditures | USD 26,312 |
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Cost of Accommodation in Texas
Accommodation is one of the most important components of the cost of living in Texas. It is really important to understand the rental market before moving to any foreign country for further studies. Always remember that the cost of accommodation depends on the choice of neighbourhood and locality of the dorm room. To reduce the cost of living in Texas, you can reduce the cost of accommodation with a wise decision.
You can also choose shared accommodation to reduce the cost of living in Texas. Here is the cost of accommodation with the type of apartment in and outside the city centre.
| Type of Accommodation | Cost of Accommodation |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | USD 1,100.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | USD 850.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | USD 1,500.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | USD 1,000.00 |
Cost of Studying in Texas
The cost of living in Texas may vary significantly as per the university you have chosen, the program you want to pursue, and any other scholarships you are availing. It may vary as per the tuition fees of various universities. Here is the list of the top 5 universities in Texas with their tuition fees and QS world rankings for 2025.
| QS WR2025 | Top Universities in Texas | Average Tuition Fees |
| 141 | Rice University | USD 74,810 |
| 66 | University of Texas at Austin | USD 20,500 |
| 154 | Texas A&M University-College Station | USD 58,976 |
| 651-660 | University of Houston | USD 27,110 |
| 87 | Trinity University | USD 50,000 |
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Cost of Food and Restaurants in Texas
Food is another major component of the cost of living in Texas. No doubt, Texas is renowned for its vibrant food scene where most people prefer to dine out for more than a few meals. Many Texas cities have a lively restaurant scene, with options that range from food trucks to fine dining.
| Dining Out in Texas | Cost of Food in Texas |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | USD 16.99 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | USD 60.00 |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | USD 10.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | USD 4.75 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | USD 7.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | USD 4.03 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) | USD 1.30 |
| Water (0.33 litre bottle) | USD 1.93 |
However, it is always advised to go for homemade food rather than dining in restaurants. It is always one of the most cost-effective options that can reduce the cost of living in Texas. The cost of groceries in Texas tends to be lower than in many other states of the US. Here is an overview of the everyday essentials with their average cost.
| Grocery | Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | USD 0.87 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | USD 3.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | USD 2.97 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | USD 3.26 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | USD 8.77 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | USD 10.90 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | USD 14.13 |
| Apples (1kg) | USD 3.44 |
| Banana (1kg) | USD 1.53 |
| Oranges (1kg) | USD 4.27 |
| Tomato (1kg) | USD 3.53 |
| Potato (1kg) | USD 2.83 |
| Onion (1kg) | USD 2.77 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | USD 1.91 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | USD 1.68 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | USD 9.98 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | USD 2.15 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | USD 3.25 |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | USD 8.00 |
Cost of Travel and Transportation in Texas
Transportation is another important factor in calculating the cost of living in Texas. However, with wise decisions and proper planning, the cost of transportation can be reduced. You may prefer travelling with public transportation for a cost-effective option. Always, carry your student ID card to avail discounts and transportation passes. Check out the cost of transportation below.
| Mode of Transportation | Cost of Transportation |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | USD 1.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | USD 40.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | USD 3.25 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | USD 1.71 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | USD 20.00 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | USD 0.73 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | USD 31,000.00 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | USD 26,002.80 |
Cost of Utilities and Internet in Texas
Utilities and internet are a few other things you should consider while calculating your cost of living in Texas. Most of the time the utilities and internet are included in the rent of the accommodation. However, it is important to read your tenancy agreement carefully to avoid any misunderstandings regarding the same. Check out the average price of the utilities and internet that can impact your cost of living in Texas directly.
| Utilities and Internet | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | USD 168.67 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | USD 25.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | USD 65.67 |
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Tips for Managing Cost of Living in Texas
Here are some important tips you may consider to reduce your cost of living in Texas.
- Set a budget before moving to Texas.
- Create a monthly budget and stick to it.
- Look for scholarships offered by the Texas government.
- Consider living on the university campus.
- Carry your student ID and ask for student discounts.
- Cook all or most of your own meals.
- Use public transport to commute.
- Consider buying second-hand products.
FAQs on the Cost of Living in Texas
The average cost of living in Texas is USD 45000 annually. With wise decisions and advance planning, you can reduce the cost of living in Texas.
Indeed, while calculating expenses and the cost of living in Texas, always allocate an amount for the additional cost or emergency expenses.
– Insurance: Health, car, and home insurance are additional expenses to consider.
– Entertainment and Leisure: Costs can include memberships, activities, and events.
– Miscellaneous Costs: Includes things like clothing, personal care, and unexpected expenses.
The cost of living in Texas is 7% lower than the national average. Housing is 17% lower than the national average, while utilities are 3% higher.
With home to 12 top educational institutions, Texas takes seventh place in the best states to be a student.
Texas is the third most popular state in the U.S. for international students. Texas is a preferable choice for international students for several reasons, including the top-rated colleges, great weather, and an abundance of outdoor activities.
Hope you liked reading about the cost of living in Texas in 2024. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal student accommodation abroad with ease.
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