Introduction
Have you ever wondered how much it actually costs to live in Texas as an international student? Imagine landing in Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, feeling the warm Southern breeze, and instantly calculating whether tonight’s dinner should be biryani from an Indian food truck or a quick taco from the campus café. Every rupee matters when living abroad, and the cost of living in texas often decides whether weekend trips, tech meet-ups, or even an extra semester feel possible. This guide follows Raj and Aisha—two Indian students chasing engineering dreams—while unpacking facts, tables, and proven tricks.
Cost of Living in Texas: Accommodation and Rent – Worried about paying for a roof?
Finding a place to sleep is the single largest piece of the cost of living in texas puzzle, so let’s break it down:
On-Campus Dorms
- Price range: $700 – $1,200 per month (utilities often bundled).
- Security, meal plans, and close walk to class cut stress for first-year students.
University Apartments
- $800 – $1,400 per single bedroom; lower if sharing.
- Private bedrooms with shared kitchen feel like a happy medium between dorm life and full independence.
Shared Off-Campus Flats
- $500 – $1,000 each for a room in a 2- or 3-BHK in Houston, Austin, or Dallas.
- In College Station or Lubbock, rates dip to $350–$600, proving the cost of living in texas drops outside big metros.
Leasing Tips
- Sign 12-month leases from July to July; shorter sublets cost more.
- Hunt for listings on Facebook groups where graduating seniors pass on deals.
- Always ask if internet, parking, or trash fees are extra—hidden charges swell what is the average cost of living in texas by $50–$100.
By sharing a three-bedroom near UT Dallas, he moved his housing budget from $900 to $520 monthly, slicing the headline cost of living in texas by 40 %.
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Cost of Living in Texas: Food & Groceries
The cost of food and groceries in Texas is generally affordable compared to many other U.S. states. On average, a single person can expect to spend around $250 to $350 per month on groceries. Prices can vary depending on the city, with larger urban areas like Dallas or Austin being slightly more expensive than rural towns. Dining out is also budget-friendly, with a typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing between $10 to $15.
Afraid your spice shelf will break the bank?
Food is the second-largest line in many student budgets, yet it is also the easiest place to save:
Cooking at Home
- $150 – $250 per month if buying lentils, rice, and masala packets at Patel Brothers, Fiesta Mart, or H-E-B.
- Weekend meal-prep keeps weekday spending down and helps track living expenses in states where eating out can snowball.
Eating Out
- Fast food or taco trucks: $8–$10 a meal.
- Mid-range restaurants: $15 per entrée; Tex-Mex combos are big enough for two lunches.
- Weekly social dinners add $30–$60.
Cafeteria Meal Plans
- $1,800–$2,500 per semester for unlimited swipes.
- Great for first term; less useful when off-campus kitchens beckon.
Cost-Cutting Tricks
- Buy rice in 20-pound sacks during Diwali sales; unit price plummets.
- Split Costco runs with flatmates; big tubs of yogurt and paneer freeze well.
- Download “Too Good To Go” to snag end-of-day bakery deals and shrink the cost of living in texas food bill by 15 %.
By turning social nights into budget treats, her monthly eating-out spend stayed at $45, keeping what is the average cost of living in texas for food steady at $175.
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Cost of Living in Texas: Transportation Wondering if buses are enough?
| Mode | Monthly Cost | Notes |
| Student bus/metro pass | $30–$60 | UT Austin’s ‘CapMetro UPass’ is free with ID, crushing the cost of living in texas commute line. |
| Ride-share (Uber/Lyft) | $10–$20 per trip | Useful for late nights; add $60–$80 monthly if used weekly. |
| Used car ownership | $230–$350 | Gas $120, insurance $120, maintenance $40. |
| Inter-city Megabus | $1–$30 | Book early and explore Houston or San Antonio for pocket change. |
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Cost of Living in Texas: Utilities
Sweating about summer AC bills?
- Electricity: $30 – $60 per roommate except in peak July heat.
In Texas, summer can be very hot, especially in July. During this time, air conditioners run longer, which means your electricity bill can go up. But on average, each roommate usually pays between $30 and $60 per month for electricity when it’s not peak season. - Water & Trash: $20–$40.
Water and trash bills are usually combined and shared among roommates. These services are cheaper in Texas than in many other U.S. states. Expect to spend around $20 to $40 every month. - Heating/Gas: $10–$30.
Winters in Texas are mild compared to other states, so gas and heating costs stay low. Most students pay just $10 to $30 per month on this. - Internet: $30–$50 for 300 Mbps fiber.
Good-quality internet is affordable in most Texas cities. A fast 300 Mbps fiber connection typically costs between $30 and $50. It can be shared among roommates, which lowers the price even more.
Bundle utilities with roommates whenever possible to keep living expenses in states on target.
If you share all these utility costs with roommates, the overall cost of living in Texas becomes more affordable. It helps you manage your monthly budget better and keeps things simple. Utility bills may seem small at first, but they add up fast if you’re not careful—so always split wisely!
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Cost of Living in Texas: Health Insurance
Concerned about hospital costs?
Health insurance is mandatory and crucial for all international students in Texas. Medical care in the U.S. can be very expensive, so having insurance helps you stay protected from high hospital bills. Most universities require students to have health coverage during their entire stay.
- University Group Plan: $80 – $170 per month.
Many universities in Texas offer their own group health insurance plans. These are often easy to sign up for and are accepted at campus health centers. The cost ranges between $80 to $170 each month. This plan usually covers doctor visits, emergency care, and some medicines. - Private Student Plan: $70–$160.
If you don’t want the university’s plan, you can choose a private student insurance plan. These are offered by companies outside the university. The prices can be a little cheaper, from $70 to $160 monthly, but you must check what services they cover before signing up. - Dental & Vision: $10–$20 each.
Most basic health insurance plans do not cover dental and vision care. You may need to buy extra plans for these. Luckily, they are affordable. Dental insurance and vision insurance each cost about $10 to $20 per month.
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Why does this Matter for the Cost of Living in Texas?
Because health insurance is not optional, you must include it in your budget from day one. Without it, even a small injury or sickness can cost thousands of dollars. So when planning your monthly or yearly expenses, don’t forget to count health insurance. It plays a big role in the total cost of living in Texas for international students. Staying healthy is important—but being smart with your health budget is just as necessary!
Skipping coverage is impossible; emergency care runs $2,000 for a single ER visit.
Cost of Living in Texas: Mobile & Internet
Need cheap data for family calls?
Staying connected is super important when you’re studying in a new country. Whether it’s calling your family back in India or using the internet for classes and maps, you’ll need a good mobile plan in Texas.
- Prepaid Plans: $25–$40, unlimited talk/text, 15–20 GB 5G data- Prepaid plans are very popular among students. You pay in advance and don’t need a credit history. For just $25 to $40 a month, you get unlimited calling and texting across the U.S., along with 15 to 20 GB of fast 5G internet. Great for using WhatsApp, Google Maps, and video calls.
- Postpaid Plans: $50–$80- Postpaid plans are billed monthly, usually after you use the service. These may include more features or extra data. But they often require a credit check or Social Security Number (SSN). They cost between $50 and $80 per month.
- International Add-ons: $5–$10 for India calling- If you want to call your family or friends in India directly, you can add an international calling option. It only costs $5 to $10 extra per month and gives you many minutes to talk without using the internet.
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Cost of Living in Texas: Study Materials & Supplies
Can library hacks cut costs?
Saving money on study materials is a smart way to manage your student budget in Texas. Textbooks can be expensive, but there are easy ways to spend less:
- Textbook Markets – Facebook pages list $200 books for $40 by finals week- Many students sell used textbooks on Facebook or campus groups. A book that costs $200 in the store can be found for just $40 or even less, especially near exam time.
- E-Libraries – Rice University lends digital versions, zero dollars- Most universities, like Rice, offer free access to e-books through their library. You can borrow digital textbooks, research papers, and journals without spending anything.
- Print Credits – Every semester students receive $25–$40 free printing- Campuses also give students free printing credits each term. You can use them to print assignments, notes, or readings—no need to pay from your own pocket. Average spend drops from $600 to $200 a term.
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Cost of Living in Texas: Miscellaneous & Personal Expenses
Forgot to budget for Netflix?
Everyday student life in Texas comes with some small but important monthly costs. Here are a few things to remember when planning your budget:
- Laundry: $20 per month- Most student housing or apartments have laundry machines. Washing and drying your clothes usually costs about $20 every month, depending on how often you do laundry.
- Gym: campus gyms free; off campus $25–$40- Campus gyms are usually free for students and have everything from treadmills to yoga classes. If you choose an off-campus gym, you may pay around $25 to $40 per month. It’s a good option if you live far from campus.
- Entertainment: movies $8 with ID- Want to relax on weekends? Many theaters offer student discounts. With your student ID, you can enjoy the latest movies for just $8.
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Cost of Living in America: Region-by-Region Snapshot
Curious why New York drains wallets?
| Region | Rent (Shared) | Food & Groceries | Transport | Utilities & Internet | Health Insurance | Misc. | Total Monthly |
| Northeast | $1,000–$1,800 | $250–$400 | $90–$130 | $120–$180 | $100–$200 | $100–$150 | $1,600–$2,800 |
| West Coast | $1,000–$2,000 | $200–$350 | $70–$120 | $100–$150 | $100–$200 | $100–$150 | $1,570–$2,970 |
| Midwest | $500–$1,000 | $150–$250 | $50–$100 | $80–$130 | $90–$150 | $50–$100 | $920–$1,730 |
| South (Texas) | $500–$1,000 | $150–$250 | $50–$100 | $80–$130 | $90–$150 | $50–$100 | $920–$1,730 |
| Mountain | $600–$1,000 | $150–$250 | $50–$90 | $90–$130 | $80–$140 | $50–$100 | $1,020–$1,710 |
How Texas Offers Ivy League-Level Education with Lower Living Costs
Dreaming of an Ivy vibe without Ivy rent?
- Top-Ranked Universities: Texas is home to universities that are ranked among the world’s top 100 for subjects like engineering, business, and artificial intelligence (AI). Schools like the University of Texas at Austin and Rice University are globally recognized for quality education and research.
- Affordable Living: Unlike other top-ranking states like California or New York, Texas offers what many call “Southern prices.” That means students pay less for apartments, groceries, and even BBQ, all while attending world-class universities.
- Rice University vs Princeton: Did you know? Rice University has research funding per student that rivals Ivy League schools like Princeton. But here’s the catch—dorm rent at Rice is around $400 cheaper than what you’d pay at a similar-level school in the Northeast.
- Scholarships Stretch Farther: Thanks to the lower cost of living in Texas, the value of scholarships goes a long way. Students can save money on housing and food, and use the extra cash for conference travel, online courses, or industry certifications.
- Smart Budgeting: When you add up the savings from rent, utilities, and everyday costs, Texas stands out as a smart choice for international students looking for world-class education without a sky-high budget.
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Scholarships that Shrink the Cost of Living in Texas
Looking for free money?
- Tuition Waivers reduce fees by $4,000–$6,000.
- Stipends of $1,500 monthly cover rent and groceries.
- Assistantships pay $14/hour.
- Housing Grants knock 25 % off dorm contracts.
| Category | Without Scholarship | With Scholarship |
| Tuition | $20,000 | $8,000 |
| Rent | $8,000 | $4,500 |
| Food | $2,400 | $1,800 |
| Total Yearly Texas living costs | $30,400 | $14,300 |
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Why English Proficiency Tests Are Part of Your Texas Study Budget
Planning to skip the IELTS fee?
Exam Fees: IELTS $195, TOEFL $204, PTE $192, Duolingo $49.
English proficiency is very important for students who want to study and work in the United States. All colleges and universities in the U.S. teach in English. So, to understand your classes, complete assignments, and pass exams, you need to be comfortable with reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English.
That’s why international students are asked to take English tests like IELTS ($195), TOEFL ($204), PTE ($192), or Duolingo ($49). These exams show your ability to use English in an academic setting.
Also, if you plan to work part-time during your studies or full-time after graduation, you will need good English skills to talk to customers, attend meetings, and write emails. Without strong English, it becomes hard to find a job or do well in interviews.
- Retake Risk: missing a band equals another $200.
- Prep Materials: $60–$300 coaching, $20–$50 books.
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Texas vs Silicon Valley: AI Education and Living Costs
Craving Silicon Valley prestige at Texas prices?
| Expense | Texas (Austin/Dallas) | Silicon Valley | Difference |
| Rent (Shared) | $500–$1,000 | $1,200–$2,500 | Up to $1,500 saved |
| Food | $150–$250 | $250–$400 | $150 less |
| Transport | $30–$80 | $80–$150 | $70 less |
| Utilities & Internet | $80–$120 | $150–$250 | $130 less |
| Insurance | $100–$200 | $150–$250 | $50 less |
City-Wise Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Texas
Unsure which city fits your wallet?
| Expense | Austin | Dallas | Houston | College Station |
| Shared Rent | $750 | $650 | $600 | $450 |
| Groceries | $180 | $170 | $160 | $150 |
| Transport | Free-$60 | $50 | $45 | $40 |
| Utilities & Net | $110 | $100 | $95 | $90 |
| Entertainment | $70 | $65 | $60 | $50 |
| Monthly cost of living in texas | $1,260 | $1,035 | $960 | $780 |
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Monthly Budget Blueprint
Need a clear spending map?
- Rent: $650
- Utilities & Internet: $100
- Groceries: $170
- Dining Out: $50
- Transport: $70
- Mobile Plan: $30
- Health Insurance: $140
- Books & Supplies: $70
- Entertainment & Fitness: $60
- Emergency Fund: $40
Total monthly Texas living costs: $1,310.
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Cost-Saving Hacks Every International Student Should Try
Ready to stretch each dollar?
- Hunt for subleases; rent falls by 20 %.
- Buy second-hand furniture.
- Volunteer at events for free passes.
- Use student IDs for discounts.
- Batch cook & freeze meals.
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Conclusion
Lower rent, kinder weather, thriving job markets, and generous scholarships help international students thrive without draining wallets. Parents still whisper, what is the average cost of living in texas for a freshman in 2025? Texas welcomes careful planners; good budgeting today builds confident adventures tomorrow. Stay curious, stay smart, and enjoy every mile. Understanding the cost of living in texas empowers smart choices. Curious minds still ask, what is the average cost of living in texas each year?
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, study abroad consultancy, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in USA, study in UK, study in Singapore , study in Switzerland , study in Australia, study in New Zealand and many other countries.
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Top FAQs
1. How much cash should an international student carry for the first month in Texas?
Ans. $2,000–$2,500 cushions any sudden cost of living in texas surprises.
2. Is public transport reliable in Austin and Dallas?
Ans . Bus and light-rail networks work well around campuses.
3. Can part-time jobs wipe out the full cost of living in texas?
Ans. Working 20 hours on campus at $15/hour covers most rent and food.
4. Do scholarships pay for health insurance?
Ans. Many do, dropping the cost of living in america by $1,200 annually.
5. What is the average cost of living in texas for a graduate engineering student?
Ans. Expect $1,100–$1,300 a month in smaller towns.