Texas is one of the most popular states for students, offering a mix of culture, diverse opportunities, and affordable living. Whether you’re attending university in Austin, Houston, Dallas, or any other major city, understanding the cost of living is key to budgeting during your studies. This guide will break down the cost of living in Texas that you’ll need to know as a student.
Table of contents
Average Cost of Living in Texas
Texas has a strong job market across various industries. 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 26,312ci |
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. 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.
| Category | Average Cost |
| Average Monthly Mortgage Cost | USD 1,747 |
| Average Studio Rent | USD 1,025 |
| Average One-Bedroom Rent | USD 1,026 |
| Average Two-Bedroom Rent | USD 1,155 |
| Average Three-Bedroom Rent | USD 1,381 |
| Average Four-Bedroom Rent | USD 1,725 |
| Average Five-Bedroom (or more) Rent | USD 1,867 |
| Average Gross Rent | USD 1,167 |
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.
| Top Universities in Texas | Average Tuition Fees |
| Rice University | USD 74,810 |
| University of Texas at Austin | USD 20,500 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | USD 58,976 |
| University of Houston | USD 27,110 |
| 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. Below we have mentioned the cost of dining out in Texas.
| 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. 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 Transportation in Texas
Transportation is another important factor in calculating the cost of living in Texas. 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 in Texas 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.
Texas is one of the more affordable states for students when compared to others like California or New York. While the cost of living varies from city to city, it’s generally manageable for students on a budget. Just be sure to budget wisely, plan for your expenses, and take advantage of student discounts and shared living arrangements to make the most of your time here.
By understanding the cost of living and planning ahead, you can enjoy all that Texas has to offer without breaking the bank. Happy studying!
Hope you liked reading our blog about the Cost of Living in Texas. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
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.
The cost of living in Texas is generally lower than the national average. Housing, utilities, and groceries are more affordable than in many other states. This makes Texas an attractive option for people looking for a lower cost of living while still enjoying a high quality of life.
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.
The average rent for an apartment in Texas varies by location. In cities like Houston, Dallas, or Austin, rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from USD 1,000 to USD 1,500. In smaller towns, rent prices are typically lower, making Texas a great place to live on a budget.
Healthcare costs in Texas are generally in line with national averages, but they can vary by region. Major cities like Houston and Dallas have access to high-quality healthcare facilities, which may result in higher medical costs in urban areas. However, rural areas may offer more affordable healthcare options.
Texas is known for having no state income tax, which helps lower the overall tax burden for residents. However, property taxes and sales taxes can be higher than in other states, so it’s important to factor those into your cost of living calculations.
To save money on the cost of living in Texas, consider living in smaller towns or suburbs rather than major cities. Also, budgeting for utilities and shopping around for the best deals on groceries can help. Lower transportation costs, thanks to affordable gas, also make living in Texas more affordable.
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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