$70,000 in Texas stretches further than in most states — no state income tax means your take-home pay is higher, and Texas home prices remain reasonable outside Austin.

Texas buying power on $70K

Using the 28/36 rule with Texas averages:

  • Gross monthly: $5,833
  • Front-end limit (28%): $1,633/month for housing
  • Texas property tax: ~1.6% (higher than national average — this matters!)
  • Homeowner insurance: ~$1,800/year in Texas

With 10% down and 6.5% rate, that $1,633/month buys roughly $245k–$280k depending on the county's tax rate.

Why Texas is different

  1. No state income tax — you keep ~$3,000+/year vs. living in California
  2. Higher property taxes — Texas offsets no income tax with 1.6-2.2% property tax
  3. Insurance costs — hail and hurricane zones raise premiums

Best Texas metros for $70K buyers

  • San Antonio: Median ~$280k — within reach
  • Houston: Median ~$310k — stretch, but possible in suburbs
  • Dallas-Fort Worth: Median ~$350k — tough, look at outer suburbs
  • Austin: Median ~$450k — out of range on $70K alone
  • El Paso: Median ~$220k — comfortable

The math

On $70,000/year ($5,833/month):

  • Max housing payment: $1,633/month
  • Minus property tax (~$330 on $250k home)
  • Minus insurance (~$150)
  • Minus PMI if <20% down (~$120)
  • Available for P&I: ~$1,033/month
  • Home price at 6.5%, 30yr: ~$245,000

Try our free home affordability calculator for your exact numbers.