Texas has huge amounts of opportunity for construction professionals, offering diverse job markets and no state income tax. The state continues to prove itself as one of the fastest growing construction markets in the U.S., with Statista recording its revenue projected to reach $282,5 billion by 2024. But with its varied living costs, we want to provide some guidance on understanding what life—and expenses—look like across the state’s major cities. From Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)’s economic opportunities to San Antonio’s affordability, if you’re contemplating relocating for the next big project, this guide breaks down the cost of living in the four main Texas cities.
1. Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) has a booming job market driven by industries like technology, finance, and healthcare, making it a hub for construction. According to Numbeo, in 2024 the average monthly cost of living (without rent) is $1,213.30 for a single person and $4,273.80 for a family of four. Payscale states the overall cost of living (with housing) is 2% above the national average for 2024.
Construction salaries in the area remain competitive; however, rising housing costs and the necessity of car ownership—advised due to the city’s sprawling layout, with an average size of 9,286 square feet according to Wikivoyage—can strain budgets. Ashley Flores, housing chief for CPAL, said the DFW region “has been and likely will continue to be a really hot housing market that makes [naturally occurring affordable housing] more vulnerable,”. Traditionally housing in suburban areas is more affordable, while urban centers come with a premium price tag, however there is a big shortage for all lower-income families.
2. Austin
Austin is well known for its music, tech-driven economy, and delicious food culture, which draws workers to this city. However, living here isn’t as cheap as many would hope, with the overall cost of living only being 2% below the national average. Monthly expenses for a single person average out at $1,087.30 and $3,889.30 for a family of four and, according to the JCHS, a buyer or family needs to make more than $140,000 to afford a median sales price home in Austin.
High housing costs and rising day-to-day expenses present challenges for those on tighter budgets. However, Austin offers exciting projects for construction workers, as a result of the city’s rapid growth, such as the upcoming $1.6 billion Austin Convention Center expansion set to begin in 2025. Big projects like this offer opportunities for those working in Texas construction.
3. Houston
Houston’s relatively low living costs make it an attractive destination for construction professionals in the earlier stages of their career. The cost of living is 6% below the national average, with monthly expenses at $1,104.10 for a single person and $3,930.30 for a family of four. Housing is a great benefit of Houston, with average prices 19% below the national average, stated by Payscale.
Houston also has some major infrastructure projects, boosting job availability for construction professionals, such as the I-45 highway widening project. Segment 3B-2 is set to begin in January and be completed in 2030. Consequently, Houston is a city full of affordable neighborhoods near major construction sites, making it a great place for workers to climb the construction career ladder.
4. San Antonio
San Antonio stands out as one of the most affordable major cities in Texas, with a cost of living 9% below the national average. Monthly expenses average $1,092.60 for a single person and $3,835 for a family of four. Payscale records expenses in San Antonio to be much lower compared to national averages, particularly housing at 20% and utilities at 17% cheaper, making it a great choice for workers seeking affordability.
Lauren Mandel, President of San Antonio Associated General Contractors, has noticed a shift toward infrastructure and public sector projects, supported by stable funding due to substantial population growth. This means steady job opportunities for its construction residents as well as manageable expenses.
While each Texas city offers its different lifestyle and cost of living, understanding which suits you best helps your construction career and lets you plan better. Whether it’s weighing higher housing costs in Austin against its vibrant culture or taking advantage of San Antonio’s affordability to save for the future, we hope this blog offers some guidance for balancing your career and budget.
For a detailed look at salary trends and talent insights for the Texas Civil or Buildings Construction markets, download our Salary Guides. This initiative capitalizes on the thousands of meaningful conversations we have each week with construction professionals across the U.S., enabling us to deliver valuable, actionable insights. It offers expert guidance, market data, and salary insights by region, job title, primary market, and sub-market.
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