TX state hub · 2026
Cost of Raising a Child in Texas (2026 Guide)
Averages across 4 tracked Texas metros, ranked city leaderboards, and links into each local cost guide.
Texas overview stats
- Avg monthly childcare
- $1,143
- State avg annual expense
- $26,408
- Cost vs national average
- -17%
Infant–school-age center care blend
School-age reference year, one child
-17% vs national average
Most Expensive Cities in Texas
| Rank | City | Monthly total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin | $2,463 |
| 2 | Dallas | $2,221 |
| 3 | Houston | $2,159 |
| 4 | San Antonio | $1,960 |
Most Affordable Cities in Texas
| Rank | City | Monthly total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Antonio | $1,960 |
| 2 | Houston | $2,159 |
| 3 | Dallas | $2,221 |
| 4 | Austin | $2,463 |
State financial context
What shapes family costs in Texas
Texas has no state personal income tax, which can leave more take-home pay for childcare and housing — but property taxes and metro daycare rates in Austin, Dallas, and Houston still drive large family budgets. Public Pre-K and local workforce-board subsidies vary by county.
National curated baseline average: $31,900 / yr. See our methodology for sources and 2026 indexing.
Texas city directory
Every programmatic city guide currently tracked for Texas.