Rent Affordability for Texas (2026)
Texas (TX) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,200
Median Monthly Income
$5,583
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$1,675
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
21.5%
How This Calculator Works in Texas
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in Texas based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the Texas average.
Texas Overview
With a median household income of $67,000, Texas residents can afford roughly $1,675/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,200/month. Texas has no state income tax, which means renters keep more of their paycheck, effectively improving rent affordability compared to states with income taxes.
How Texas Compares
Texas's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring Louisiana, the ratio is 20.8%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $900 | Average 1BR rent is $900 with median monthly income of $4,333. The 30% rule allows $1,300 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Oklahoma | $850 | Average 1BR rent is $850 with median monthly income of $4,583. The 30% rule allows $1,375 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| New Mexico | $950 | Average 1BR rent is $950 with median monthly income of $4,500. The 30% rule allows $1,350 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In Texas, the median household earns $67,000 annually ($5,583 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $1,675 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,200, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for Texas Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In Texas, with a median household income of $67,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $1,675/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in Texas is roughly $1,200/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3Texas has no state income tax, which means renters keep more of their paycheck, effectively improving rent affordability compared to states with income taxes.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in Texas.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in Texas, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.