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The average total personal consumption cost in Texas is $45,114 per year. If you wish to learn more about the cost of living in Texas, then this article is for you. Texas can be a great option if you are considering moving to a state with gainful employment. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has predicted that Texas jobs to grow by 1.4 per cent this year. Be it Dallas or Austin, there are a lot of great cities that are ideal for growing a career. Along with offering opportunities, the second largest US state also gives a worldly menu. If you wish to learn more about the cost of living in Texas, then keep reading.
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Why Choose Texas to Study Abroad?
If you’re considering pursuing your studies in Texas, there are numerous excellent university options available. Texas is host to a selection of highly esteemed universities in the United States, with 18 of them being featured in the latest QS World University Rankings: USA.
Among these rankings, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) stands out as one of two universities located in Arlington that made the list. Additionally, UTA is among the four Texas universities that have been granted the prestigious Texas Tier One designation, granting them access to additional research funding opportunities.
Furthermore, UTA holds the esteemed R1 Carnegie classification, recognized for its exceptional academic and research prowess. The university boasts cutting-edge facilities that foster critical thinking among students.
Through a range of academic programs, internships, and research initiatives, students gain practical experiential learning opportunities that enable them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and stand out to prospective employers upon graduation.
Some of the other top universities in Texas are Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Dallas, and Texas Tech University.
Also read: Cost of Studying in Germany
Cost of Living in Texas
According to data gathered in 2022 by MERIC, when it comes to expenses in the expansive state of Texas, residents enjoy the 15th lowest cost of living in the entire country. In comparison, other Southwestern states such as Arizona (ranked 37th) and Utah (ranked 30th) have considerably higher costs of living. Texas also surpasses New Mexico, coming in second with the 19th lowest cost of living.
So, what does it cost to live in Texas? Based on 2021 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average total personal consumption cost in Texas amounts to $45,114 (36.9 lacks INR) per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the average annual per-capita costs in various categories:
- Housing and Utilities: $7,540 (6.18 lakh INR)
- Health Care: $6,593 (5.4 lakh INR)
- Food and Beverages (non-restaurant): $3,471 (2.84 lahks INR)
- Gas and Energy Goods: $1,197 (9.81 lacks INR)
- All Other Personal Expenditures: $26,312 (21.57 lakh INR)
On average, this amounts to approximately $3,760 (3.08 lakh INR) per month, per person. Let’s understand the total cost of living in Texas in detail:
Transportation & commutation
The average transportation costs in Texas amount to $5,477 (4.49 lakh INR) to $15,530 (12.7 lacks INR) per year. You will be required to hit the open road from time to time and your family makeup can influence how much money you have to spend to get everyone where they need to go.
Have a look at the table below to get an idea of what your cost of living will look like:
| Family Makeup | Average Annual Transportation Cost |
| One adult, no children | $5,477 (4.49 lakh INR) |
| Two working adults, no children | $9,851 (8.07 lakh INR) |
| Two working adults, three children | $15,530 (12.7 lakh INR) |
Food and Restaurants
Average grocery and food in Texas cost $289.25 (23.7k INR) per person per month. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, an average Texan spends $3,471 (2.84 lakhs INR) a year on non-restaurant sustenance.
The average cost for a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Texas typically ranges from $10 (820.06 INR) to $25 (2050.16 INR) per person. This estimate includes the main course, a non-alcoholic beverage, and possibly a side or appetizer.
It’s important to note that prices can be higher or lower depending on the specific restaurant, its location (urban areas may have higher prices), the type of cuisine, and any additional services or amenities offered.
Utility Expenses
The average utility cost in Texas stands at $402 (32.9k INR) per month.
Here is what the utility costs look like in Texas:
| Utility | Average Texas Bill |
| Electricity | $132 (10.8k INR) |
| Gas | $111 (9.1k INR) |
| Cable & Internet | $114 (9.3k INR) |
| Water | $45 (3.69k INR) |
The Bureau of Economic Analysis anticipates that every Texan spends $26,312 (21.57 lakh INR) per year on personal expenditures.
Have a look at a few examples of what it can cost to check out Texas pleasures:
- Tickets to the Space Center Houston: $0 to $29.95 (2.45k INR), depending on the age of the visitor.
- Family membership to the Houston Zoo: $189 (15.49k INR) or more.
- Dinner at fan favourite Goldee’s Bar-BQ: $16 (1.3k INR) for a half-pound brisket.
Housing
Texas’ usual home value stood at $290,863 (2.38 crore INR) in February 2023, as per Zillow.
Here is what the rent looks like in Texas, according to the US Census Bureau data from 2021:
- Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,747 (1.43 lakh INR)
- Median studio rent: $1,025 (84.05k INR)
- Median one-bedroom rent: $1,026 (84.13k INR)
- Median two-bedroom rent: $1,155 (94.71k INR)
- Median three-bedroom rent: $1,381 (1.13 lakh INR)
- Median four-bedroom rent: $1,725 (1.41 lakh INR)
- Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,867 (1.53 lakh INR)
- Median gross rent: $1,167 (95.7k INR)
Average Tuition Fees in Texas
The average cost for tuition and required fees at four-year Texas public institutions was $8,600 (7.05 lakh INR) in 2019-2020 for an in-state student as per the NCES. On the other hand, the cost was $24,890 (20.4 lacks INR) for out-of-state students, which is a difference of $16,290 (13.35 lakh INR).
Tuition Costs In Texas
| Institution Type | Average Cost Of Tuition |
| Public four-year (in-state) | $8,600 (7.05 lakh INR) |
| Public four-year (out-of-state) | $24,890 (20.4 lakh INR) |
| Private four-year | $36,010 (29.53 lakh INR) |
| Public two-year | $2,380 (1.95 lakh INR) |
| Private two-year | $16,900 (13.85 lakh INR) |
Also read: Cost of Living in London for Students
Things to Know When Moving to Texas
Here are a few things to know before you go to Texas:
Texas Has a Strong Record in Job Creation
Despite experiencing recent layoffs and a reduced growth rate due to a decline in the oil and gas industry, Texas remains a favourable state for job opportunities. As of February 2022, the unemployment rate stood at 4.7%. The state has a longstanding history of job creation that spans several decades, predating the notable relocation of American Airlines from New York City to Dallas in 1978.
Guns are a Part of Life
In Texas, the importance placed on the Second Amendment is a well-known aspect of life. It is not uncommon for individuals to possess concealed weapons, and many households own multiple guns. If you intend to purchase firearms upon relocating to Texas, it is crucial to adhere to the permitting regulations and to observe sensible safety measures for storing guns at home, carrying them for personal protection, and utilizing firearms during hunting seasons.
It’s a Great State for Live Music
While Austin is renowned for its vibrant live music scene, it is not the sole Texan city that boasts such a thriving musical culture. Live music is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the state’s culture, encompassing various genres such as blues, country, Tejano, bluegrass, hip hop, and more. Texas has produced a multitude of notable musicians who have achieved fame, including Beyoncé, Selena, Scott Joplin, Janis Joplin, and Miranda Lambert.
It’s a Great Place to get out in Nature
Texas offers a plethora of state and national parks to satisfy the desires of outdoor enthusiasts. The state provides ample opportunities for engaging in popular activities such as hiking, camping, and boating. However, Texas also offers additional attractions to explore, such as the ancient pictographs found at the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site and the rare sea turtles that inhabit Padre Island National Seashore.
Get Prepared for Heat
Texas experiences a scorching climate that continues to intensify. During August, it is typical for much of the state to encounter temperatures reaching the high 90s. Depending on the specific location you choose to reside in after moving to Texas, you may encounter either dry heat or humid conditions, but prepare yourself for elevated temperatures regardless of the region.
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FAQs
Answer: Cities such as San Antonio, Houston, and El Paso are often considered to have a lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas like Austin or Dallas.
Answer: The major factors influencing the cost of living in Texas include housing prices, transportation costs, healthcare expenses, utility bills, and the overall demand for goods and services in a specific area.
Answer: To estimate your cost of living in Texas, you should consider factors such as housing, transportation, healthcare, utilities, groceries, and any other expenses specific to your lifestyle. Online cost-of-living calculators can be helpful tools for estimation.
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