A new study breaks down the salary needed for financial stability in all 50 states.
HOUSTON — A study done by SmartAsset released the salary require to live comfortably in each of the 50 states. Here is what it says about Texas.
Are you a single adult?
To live comfortably in the Lone Star State in 2025, you’ll need a salary of $90,771 — a $5,844 increase from last year.
What about a household of four?
It takes $204,922 to serve two working adults and their two children — a $9,360 increase since last year. Compared to the nation, Texas ranked 40th for the income needed to support a family, meaning it falls on the lower end of the scale. For comparison, Massachusetts ranks #1 with $313,747 required for a family of four to live comfortably.
How should you budget your money?
The study suggests following the 50/30/20 rule. It states that 50% of your income should be used for necessities, 30% for discretionary spending and 20% toward savings or paying off debts. The report also factors in pre-tax income and changes in savings requirements since last year.
What does it mean to live comfortably?
Living comfortably means covering basic needs and having the financial freedom to enjoy leisure, tackle unexpected expenses and plan for the future. The report defines financial security as the ability to “afford hobbies, vacations, retirement savings, education funds and the occasional emergency – in addition to necessities like housing, groceries, transportation and medical expenses.”
How do other states compare?
The 10 most expensive states to support a family include:
- Massachusetts ($313,747)
- Hawaii ($294,362)
- Connecticut ($290,368)
- California ($287,456)
- Vermont ($286,790)
- New Jersey ($282,714)
- Washington ($277,888)
- New York ($276,973)
- Colorado ($273,728)
- Oregon ($261,914)
The 10 cheapest states to support a family:
- Mississippi ($186,618)
- Kentucky ($192,941)
- Arkansas ($193,773)
- Alabama ($194,522)
- West Virginia ($195,354)
- South Dakota ($197,933)
- Louisiana ($199,597)
- Kansas ($200,678)
- Tennessee ($200,678)
- Iowa (202,675)
- Texas ($204,922) barely misses the list alongside Iowa.
The 10 most expensive states to live alone:
- Hawaii ($124,467)
- Massachusetts ($120,141)
- California ($119,475)
- New York ($114,691)
- Washington ($109,658)
- New Jersey ($108,992)
- Maryland ($108,867)
- Virginia ($106,704)
- Colorado ($105,955)
- Connecticut ($105,165)
The 10 cheapest states to live alone:
- West Virginia ($80,829)
- Arkansas ($81,078)
- South Dakota ($82,160)
- North Dakota ($82,285)
- Kentucky ($83,574)
- Oklahoma ($84,282)
- Ohio ($84,781)
- Alabama ($85,280)
- Louisiana ($85,322)
- Mississippi ($86,320)