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A good salary in Texas depends on where you live and your lifestyle. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Texas average | $55,000-$75,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Single in Austin | $70,000-$90,000 | $60,000-$70,000 |
| Single in Houston | $55,000-$70,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Family of 4 | $90,000-$120,000 | $75,000-$90,000 |
Key advantage: Texas has no state income tax, so your take-home pay is higher than in most states.
Why Texas Is Affordable
Texas benefits from:
- No state income tax (keeps 5-10% more of your paycheck)
- Lower housing costs than coastal metros
- Lower cost of living (7% below national average overall)
- Strong job market in tech, energy, and healthcare
Good Salary by Texas City
Austin
Austin has become more expensive due to tech industry growth.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $45,000 | $75,000 |
| Comfortable | $65,000 | $100,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $80,000+ | $130,000+ |
Median home price: ~$450,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,650/month
Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas offers a balance of job opportunities and affordability.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $40,000 | $70,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $120,000+ |
Median home price: ~$380,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,400/month
Houston
Houston has the lowest cost of living among major Texas metros.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $38,000 | $65,000 |
| Comfortable | $50,000 | $85,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $70,000+ | $110,000+ |
Median home price: ~$320,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,250/month
San Antonio
San Antonio is the most affordable major Texas city.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $60,000 |
| Comfortable | $45,000 | $75,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $60,000+ | $95,000+ |
Median home price: ~$290,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,150/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Texas?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $175,000-$195,000 |
| $75,000 | $280,000-$310,000 |
| $100,000 | $380,000-$420,000 |
| $150,000 | $580,000-$640,000 |
See our mortgage affordability calculators for detailed breakdowns.
Texas vs. Other States
| State | $75K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $63,500 | 93 |
| California | $56,200 | 139 |
| New York | $55,800 | 123 |
| Florida | $63,500 | 100 |
Texas’s no state income tax advantage is significant.
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in California?
- What is a good salary in Florida?
- How much house on $75K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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