What are the pros and cons of living in Texas?
Texas is cheap, hot, and big. That's the whole trade.
You get no state income tax, lower housing costs, and wide-open space, but you trade it for brutal summers, car dependence, and a political climate that's not for everyone.
Checked Sep 9
Why?
Money goes further No state income tax and housing costs well below coastal metros, especially outside Austin.
Heat is relentless Summers run May through September with 100-degree days, and it's getting hotter.
You'll drive everywhere Public transit is thin outside a few cities, so a car is basically mandatory.
The experience splits hard by city and by your politics, so this is the general pattern, not your specific life.
Who is living in Texas right for?
Right for
- People who want to keep more of their paycheck
- Homebuyers priced out of coastal cities
- Those who love heat and outdoor activities
- Families seeking big houses on a budget
Wrong for
- People who hate hot, humid summers
- Those who rely on public transit or walking
- Anyone needing strong tenant or labor protections
- People who prefer dense, walkable urban life
What does living in Texas cost in 2026?
| Figure | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax rate | 0%, 2026 | No state income tax means more take-home pay, but property and sales taxes are higher. |
| Median home price | About $300,000, 2026 | Far below California or New York, but Austin and Dallas are pricier. |
| Average summer high | 95 to 100°F, July 2026 | Heat is not a few weeks; it's months of triple-digit days in many areas. |
| Average car insurance | $2,200 a year, 2026 | Higher than the national average due to hail, floods, and uninsured drivers. |
| Property tax rate | About 1.8% of home value, 2026 | No income tax is offset by some of the highest property taxes in the U.S. |
What's the biggest living in Texas mistake?
The biggest mistake is moving for the low sticker price without adding up the real costs. Property taxes, car insurance, and air conditioning bills eat into the savings, and the heat can be a health risk. Before you move, run a full budget with those numbers, and spend a week in August there first.
How do you decide if living in Texas is worth it?
- List your top three reasons for moving and check if Texas actually delivers them.
- Add up property tax, car insurance, and summer utility bills to your monthly cost.
- Visit in August and spend a full day outdoors to feel the heat.
- Compare your current take-home pay after taxes with Texas's no income tax but higher other costs.
People also ask
How bad is the heat really?
Bad enough to change how you live. June through September, outdoor plans move to early morning or after dark. It's not just hot, it's relentless.
What's the cost of living like?
Texas is cheap, but it's not one price. Housing and taxes are low, but your car and your AC bill will eat the savings. It comes down to where you live.
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