Over 450,000 Indian Americans live in Texas. Many students and professionals choose cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston. The cost of living in Texas 2026 for Indian students is $1,300 to $2,000/month (₹1.08L–₹1.66L). Families or professionals need about $4,000 to $5,000/month (₹3.3L–₹4.1L) depending on rent, food, and transport.
Texas rent prices for international students are lower than in states like California. Groceries, utilities, and public transport are also more affordable. Cities like San Antonio and El Paso are among the most budget-friendly in Texas.
In this blog, you’ll learn about the real cost of living in USA, from housing and groceries to transport and monthly bills. It’s a complete guide to help you plan your 2026 move smartly and budget effectively.
What Is the Monthly Cost of Living in Texas in 2026?
In 2026, the cost of living in Texas for Indian families and students varies widely by city and lifestyle. Texas living expenses for international students usually fall between $1,300–$2,000/month (₹1.08L–₹1.66L). For working professionals or couples, monthly expenses in Texas for Indian professionals reach $4,000–$5,000 (₹3.3L–₹4.1L).
What are the Monthly Living Expenses in Texas by Profile (2026)?
Profile
Monthly Cost (USD/INR)
Typical Inclusions
International Students
$1,300–$2,000 (₹1.08L–₹1.66L)
Shared rent, groceries, public transport, basic utilities, internet
Indian Professionals (solo)
$2,800–$3,800 (₹2.3L–₹3.1L)
1BHK rent, car or metro pass, utilities, food, subscriptions
Texas rent prices for international students 2026 typically range from $600–$1,200/month (₹49K–₹99K), depending on the city and type of accommodation. Indian families renting in metro areas like Houston or Austin often pay $1,800–$3,000/month (₹1.5L–₹2.5L). Suburbs offer better space and value, which makes them a common choice for those managing the living cost in Texas for Indian families.
Monthly Rent in Texas by Housing Type (2026)
Accommodation Type
Monthly Rent (USD/INR)
Best For
Shared Apartment/Dorm (Student)
$600–$1,200 (₹49K–₹99K)
International students, part-time workers
1BHK – City Center
$1,400–$2,200 (₹1.16L–₹1.82L)
Young professionals or couples
1BHK – Suburban Area
$1,100–$2,000 (₹91K–₹1.66L)
Indian expats seeking quieter zones
3BHK – City Center
$2,500–$4,700 (₹2.1L–₹3.9L)
Working families with higher budgets
3BHK – Suburbs
$2,200–$3,500 (₹1.82L–₹2.9L)
Families with children
Rent makes up 40–60% of the living cost in Texas for Indian families, depending on location and property type. To cut expenses, students often choose roommates and suburban housing.
Food and Grocery Costs – Cost of Living in Texas Explained
The cost of groceries in Texas 2026 depends on household size and shopping habits. Students spend about $250–$400/month (₹20K–₹33K), while families budget $600–$900/month (₹49K–₹74K). Shopping smart, at places like Walmart, Costco, or Indian grocery stores, helps reduce student expenses in Texas USA. Despite inflation, most staples remain reasonably priced compared to other USA states.
Average Grocery and Dining Costs in Texas (2026)
Item
Average Cost (USD/INR)
Notes
Milk (1L)
$0.95 (₹79)
Whole milk, store-brand
Rice (1kg)
$4.92 (₹410)
Basmati and long-grain
Eggs (12)
$4.20 (₹350)
Large, white
Chicken (1kg)
$14.01 (₹1,170)
Boneless breast, skinless
Tomatoes (1kg)
$3.98 (₹330)
Regular, red
Apples (1kg)
$4.78 (₹400)
Gala or Honeycrisp
Bread loaf (500g)
$3.77 (₹315)
White or wheat
Inexpensive restaurant meal
$20 (₹1,660)
Local diner or cafe
3-course meal for 2 (mid-range)
$80 (₹6,640)
Casual restaurant
The cost of groceries in Texas 2026 is manageable for most Indian students if they avoid eating out regularly. Cooking at home with ingredients from Indian grocery stores is often cheaper and healthier.
Public transport is limited in many areas. Still, in cities like Dallas and Austin, public transport cost in Texas stays manageable, monthly passes range from $50–$70 (₹4K–₹5.8K). For families or professionals, fuel and insurance add $250+/month (₹21K). The Texas cost of living vs salary also depends on how much you rely on driving versus public transit.
Monthly Transportation Costs in Texas (2026)
Expense Type
Avg. Cost (USD/INR)
Details
Monthly metro/bus pass
$94 (₹7,800)
Public transport (adult fare)
Monthly student transport
$50–$70 (₹4K–₹5.8K)
With university discount
Fuel (per liter)
$0.79 (₹66)
Regular unleaded
Car insurance (monthly)
$100–$150 (₹8.3K–₹12.5K)
Depends on age and vehicle
Taxi (per km)
$1.74 (₹145)
Base rate excluding wait time
Texas is a car-centric state, so transportation costs spike for families. Students living near campus can rely on university shuttles and metro passes. But for professionals, commuting by car is often unavoidable. Factoring in gas and insurance, car ownership adds nearly $3,000–$4,000/year (₹2.5L–₹3.3L) to the monthly expenses in Texas for Indian professionals.
Utility and Internet Costs in Texas
Utility expenses in Texas swing with the seasons, summer cooling pushes bills up, especially in cities like Houston and Austin. On average:
Students in shared housing spend $100–$150/month (₹8K–₹12.5K) on electricity, water, and trash.
Families in 2–3 BHK homes typically pay $250–$350/month (₹20K–₹29K).
Internet and mobile plans cost around $60–$100/month (₹5K–₹8.3K) for a bundled package.
These amounts form a key part of the cost of studying and living in Texas, especially for students staying off-campus and Indian families managing total household budgets.
Average Monthly Utility & Internet Costs in Texas (2026)
Expense Type
Avg. Cost (USD/INR)
Notes
Electricity, Water, Trash
$100–$350 (₹8K–₹29K)
Shared vs. private usage
Internet (60+ Mbps)
$72.32 (₹6,000)
Cable/fiber, unlimited plans
Mobile Plan (10GB+)
$83.30 (₹6,900)
Talk + Data, prepaid or postpaid
Using prepaid energy, limiting A/C use, and bundling telecom plans helps lower the average utility bills in Texas 2026, especially for Indian students or couples.
Healthcare and Insurance – Cost of Living in Texas
Healthcare is one of the most expensive parts of the living cost in Texas for Indian families. Insurance is mandatory for students and critical for professionals and dependents.
Texas living expenses for international students must include a student health plan costing $700–$1,200/year (₹58K–₹99K).
Professionals and families often pay $300–$500/month (₹25K–₹41K) for private or employer-sponsored insurance.
Uninsured ER visits cost over $1,500 (₹1.25L), excluding tests or follow-up.
Some families choose plans that cover pediatrics, dental, vision, and emergency services, especially if moving with children or dependents.
Monthly Healthcare & Insurance Costs in Texas (2026)
Insurance Type
Cost (USD/INR)
Coverage Type
Student Health Insurance
$60–$100/month (₹5K–₹8.3K)
Mandatory for F1 visa holders
Private Family Plan
$300–$500 (₹25K–₹41K)
Full medical, dental, vision
ER Visit (without insurance)
$1,500+ (₹1.25L+)
Emergency only
Always include healthcare in your monthly expenses in Texas for Indian professionals or students, unexpected illness without coverage can derail a year’s budget.
Personal and Lifestyle Costs of Living in Texas
Daily lifestyle costs add up quickly. Monthly expenses in Texas for Indian professionals range from $400–$800/month (₹33K–₹66K), covering dining out, fitness, streaming, and weekend outings. Students usually manage within $150–$300 (₹12K–₹25K) by using campus facilities and budget subscriptions. Entertainment is affordable in most cities, but active lifestyles can raise overall cost of living in Texas.
Monthly Lifestyle and Entertainment Expenses – Texas (2026)
Expense Type
Avg. Monthly Cost (USD/INR)
Notes
Gym Membership
$41.69 (₹3,450)
Monthly fee, varies by city
Weekend Cinema
$12.75 (₹1,050)
1 ticket, standard screen
Mid-Range Dinner for 2
$80 (₹6,640)
3-course, popular chains
Streaming Services
$15–$30 (₹1.2K–₹2.5K)
Netflix, Prime, Disney+, etc.
Casual Shopping/Clothes
$100–$200 (₹8.3K–₹16.6K)
Zara, H&M, or local brands
Weekend Getaways/Trips
$100–$250 (₹8.3K–₹21K)
Intercity bus, food, stay, activities
Planning monthly leisure and lifestyle costs is necessary for accurately estimating the cost of living in Texas beyond essentials like rent and groceries.
Education Costs in Texas for International Students
Student expenses in Texas USA go far beyond tuition. Public university fees range from $20,000–$30,000/year (₹16.5L–₹25L), while private institutions may charge up to $55,000/year (₹45.5L). Community colleges are cheaper, $7,000–$10,000/year (₹5.8L–₹8.3L). Add $800–$1,200/month (₹66K–₹99K) for housing and essentials to estimate the cost of studying and living in Texas accurately.
Annual and Monthly Education Costs – Texas (2026)
Education Type
Tuition Cost (USD/INR)
Notes
Public University
$20K–$30K (₹16.5L–₹25L)
In-state and out-of-state rates vary
Private University
$40K–$55K (₹33L–₹45.5L)
Higher-ranked institutions
Community College
$7K–$10K (₹5.8L–₹8.3L)
2-year programs, transfer pathways
Monthly Living Expenses
$800–$1,200 (₹66K–₹99K)
Rent, food, transport, internet, books
Application & Visa Costs
$200–$500 (₹16K–₹41K)
Includes SEVIS, I-20, and school fees
These figures represent the total Texas living expenses for international students, and should be considered when planning finances for undergrad or grad study.
What is the cost of living in Texas in 2026? It depends on the city. Austin is the priciest, with families needing $5,000/month (₹4.1L). Houston and Dallas fall in the $4,000–$4,800/month range (₹3.3L–₹4L). Texas rent prices for international students 2026 in San Antonio and Irving are lower, making them some of the best affordable cities in Texas for students.
Monthly Cost of Living by City (2026)
City
Students (USD/INR)
Families/Professionals (USD/INR)
Highlights
Austin
$1,500–$2,200 (₹1.25L–₹1.82L)
$4,500–$5,000 (₹3.7L–₹4.1L)
Tech hub, high rent
Dallas
$1,300–$1,800 (₹1.08L–₹1.5L)
$4,200–$4,800 (₹3.5L–₹4L)
Financial center, metro transit
Houston
$1,200–$1,700 (₹99K–₹1.4L)
$4,000–$4,500 (₹3.3L–₹3.7L)
Energy industry, diverse Indian population
San Antonio
$1,000–$1,500 (₹83K–₹1.25L)
$3,500–$4,000 (₹2.9L–₹3.3L)
Lower rent, student-friendly
Irving
$1,100–$1,600 (₹91K–₹1.33L)
$3,600–$4,100 (₹3L–₹3.4L)
Popular with Indian families, close to DFW
Living cost in Texas for Indian families is easiest to manage in suburban or tier-2 cities, where rent is lower and public schools are strong. For students, picking cities with university housing or good transit helps reduce overall expenses.
Grab free budget planning tools & cost calculators –Start here
How to Save on the Cost of Living in Texas in 2026?
Managing expenses wisely can make your stay in Texas much more affordable. From choosing budget-friendly housing to using public transport and cooking at home, small changes can go a long way. Here are some practical ways to save on the cost of living in Texas in 2026:
Pick affordable cities like San Antonio or Irving to reduce rent and transport expenses.
Share housing to cut rent by 30–50% compared to solo apartments.
Use student discounts for public transport, food chains, fitness centers, and tech subscriptions.
Shop at Indian and bulk grocery stores (like Costco or Patel Brothers) to lower food bills.
Cook at home, you’ll save $150–$300/month vs. eating out.
Buy second-hand furniture and books via Facebook Marketplace or student forums.
Bundle utilities and telecom to get lower monthly internet and mobile rates.
Use public clinics or campus healthcare to avoid costly private medical bills.
Track expenses with budgeting apps like Mint or Goodbudget.
These simple choices can reduce overall Texas living expenses for international students by up to 25%.
Is the Cost of Living in Texas Affordable Compared to Other States?
Texas offers a strong value-for-money ratio for students, families, and expats in 2026:
No state income tax: You save ~4–13% of salary vs. California or New York.
Lower housing costs: Median rent in Texas is 35–45% cheaper than in NYC or San Francisco.
Public universities cost less: ~$20K/year (₹16.5L), vs. $30K+ in other states.
Healthcare premiums are lower than Florida or New York by $100–$200/month.
Affordable car ownership: Fuel costs ~$0.79/litre (₹66), well below California’s average.
High Quality of Life Index (191.32) and low Property Price to Income Ratio (3.14)
Cities like Dallas and Austin offer strong salaries with better purchasing power than major coastal metros.
Texas remains one of the most affordable and livable U.S. states for Indian students, professionals, and families. While major cities like Austin and Dallas are costlier, suburban areas such as San Antonio and Irving offer excellent value with lower rent, reliable transport, and quality schools. On average, students spend $1,300–$2,000/month (₹1.08L–₹1.66L), whereas families may need $4,000–$5,000/month (₹3.3L–₹4.1L) to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Strategic choices like shared accommodation, cooking at home, and using student discounts can reduce expenses by up to 25%.
To explore universities and personalized guidance on studying and living in the U.S., connect with upGrad’s academic advisors and plan your Texas study journey smartly.
FAQs
What is the average Cost of Living in Texas for a student or single person in 2026?
For international students or single persons in Texas in 2026, typical monthly living expenses (excluding tuition) range between US $1,300 and US $2,000 (≈ ₹1.08 lakh – ₹1.66 lakh) depending on city and lifestyle.
How does the Cost of Living in Texas compare to California or Florida?
Texas is significantly more affordable: for example, Texas is about 16.7% cheaper than California, with lower costs across housing, groceries, and childcare. Compared to Florida, a single adult might need about US $45,386 annually in Texas versus US $48,683 in Florida to maintain a basic living standard.
Which city in Texas has the most affordable Cost of Living in 2026?
Cities such as Brownsville, Wichita Falls, McAllen, and Beaumont in Texas are among the most affordable in the U.S. in 2026. For example, Brownsville ranked top in affordability nationwide.
Can students cover the Cost of Living in Texas through part-time jobs?
While part-time jobs can help offset living expenses, they typically cannot fully cover all costs. With monthly expenses of US $1,300 – US $2,000 for students, and limits on working hours (for example under visa rules), students should plan for some savings or funding beyond part-time income.
What’s the Cost of Living in Texas for a family of four including housing and childcare?
For a family of four in Texas, maintaining a basic standard of living requires approximately US $92,472 annually according to living-wage estimates, which factors in housing, food, childcare and other essentials.
Are utilities included in rent across most cities in Texas?
No, tenants pay $150–200 (₹12,600–16,800) in average utility bills in Texas 2026 for power, water, and trash.
Is healthcare a major factor in the Cost of Living in Texas for expats or professionals?
Yes. Monthly expenses in Texas for Indian professionals often rise $400–600/month (₹33,600–50,400) for health insurance premiums.
What’s the monthly rent in Austin vs Houston vs Dallas in 2026?
Austin: Texas rent prices for international students 2026 show $1,000+ (₹84,000) for a studio.
Houston: $850 (₹71,400).
Dallas: $900 – 1,000 (₹75,600–84,000).
Does owning a car raise the Cost of Living in Texas significantly?
Yes, loan, fuel, insurance, and parking add $600+/month (₹50,400+) beyond the public transport cost in Texas of roughly $60 (₹5,000).
How much should international students budget for the Cost of Living in Texas?
Plan for $15,000–18,000 per academic year (₹12.6–15.1 lakh)—the core cost of studying and living in Texas.
Are food and groceries cheaper in Texas than USA national average?
Yes. Cost of groceries in Texas 2026 is 5-8 % lower, about $300–350/month (₹25,200–29,400) per person when cooking at home.
What hidden costs increase the monthly Cost of Living in Texas?
Expect HOA fees, higher summer electricity bills, and school supplies, often missed when asking what is the cost of living in Texas in 2026?
How affordable is housing in Texas suburbs compared to downtown areas?
Suburbs cut rent by 20-30 %, so living cost in Texas for Indian families drops markedly outside city cores.
Do Texas colleges charge more for international students?
Yes, out-of-state tuition can be 2-3× in-state rates, pushing up cost of studying and living in Texas despite lower everyday prices.
What’s the best Texas city for low Cost of Living and good job prospects?
Analysts point to San Antonio for balanced wages and affordable housing, answering how much money do I need to live in Texas in 2026? with the lowest threshold in major metros.
Ireland( study abroad expert) |54 articles published
Honey Gupta is a leading consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of studying overseas, with a specialized focus on Ireland. Honey brings a wealth of a...
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