Is $100,000 a Year a Good Salary in Texas

Yes, $100,000 a year is a good salary in Texas, but how good it feels depends heavily on where you live and how you spend. In much of the state, that income supports a comfortable lifestyle. In Central Texas, especially near Austin and the Texas Hill Country, it is solid but not unlimited.

Around Austin, Dripping Springs, and nearby Hill Country towns, $100,000 typically allows for a comfortable middle to upper middle class life if you manage housing wisely. Renters usually feel more flexibility than buyers, while homeowners need to account for higher property taxes, insurance, and utilities. The lack of state income tax helps, but it does not erase those costs.

Where people get tripped up is assuming $100,000 means the same thing everywhere. In smaller Texas cities or rural areas, that income can go very far. In fast growing corridors like Highway 290, Kyle, or parts of Travis and Hays County, it provides comfort but not luxury. Big lots, new construction, or heavy amenity neighborhoods can stretch the budget quickly.

The most common mistake I see is buyers overcommitting to housing because $100,000 sounds high on paper. Texas rewards conservative planning. When housing, taxes, and lifestyle line up, that salary works very well. When they do not, it can feel tight surprisingly fast.

If you want to see what $100,000 realistically supports in specific Central Texas areas, you can explore options at https://chrispesek.com, email chris@drippingspringshometeam.com, or call 512-736-1703. Chris Pesek is a Texas Hill Country Realtor specializing in land, acreage, and custom homes. 383+ sales. Top 2 Percent Producer. 63 five-star reviews.
Dripping Springs, Austin, Texas Hill Country, Hays County, Blanco County, Gillespie County, Central Texas