In Texas’ largest cities, the income needed to live comfortably is much higher than the median earnings. In San Antonio, a single adult needs $93,355 a year, while the median personal income is $42,965. A family of two adults and one child needs $167,102, compared to a median family income of $98,507. In Austin, a single adult needs $114,659, and the median income is $58,350. In Houston, a single adult needs $93,818, while the median personal income is $47,025, according to FOX 26 Houston.
Another study provides a different perspective for Houston residents. A survey reported by KHOU shows Houston has an "annual comfortable living salary" of $75,140. The study assumes rent should be no more than half of a person’s income and ranks Houston as the 29th cheapest city for cost of living among 100 major U.S. metro areas.
The GOBankingRates survey shows that living comfortably in Austin requires $113,852, in Dallas $82,935, and in San Antonio $70,420. These numbers differ from the Upgraded Points data, which reported a higher salary for San Antonio, showing variations in cost-of-living estimates.
