Required in major metro counties (Travis, Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, etc.)
DMV & license offices
4
Avg commute to work
19 min
#4 of 200
Utilities & fuel
Metric
Value
US rank
Electricity
17.0¢/kWh
#90 of 200
Avg monthly electric bill
$153
#90 of 200
Gasoline
$3.00/gal
#24 of 200
Insurance
Metric
Value
US rank
Home insurance (annual)
$3,600
#164 of 200
Auto insurance (annual)
$2,100
#126 of 200
Disaster risk & supplemental insurance
Metric
Value
US rank
Main natural hazards
Notable hazards: hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfire — separate flood/quake/windstorm policies may be needed.
Flood insurance (annual, NFIP)
$900
#152 of 200
Earthquake insurance (annual)
$100
#1 of 200
Climate & air quality
Metric
Value
US rank
Air quality (median AQI, lower=cleaner)
39
#31 of 200
Cooling degree-days (AC load)
3,000
#162 of 200
Heating degree-days (heat load)
1,800
#27 of 200
Avg summer high
96°F
#181 of 200
Avg winter low
38°F
#46 of 200
Plant hardiness zone
8b
Frost window
02-25 → 12-01
Safety
Metric
Value
US rank
Violent crime (per 100k)
430
#111 of 200
Property crime (per 100k)
2,400
#131 of 200
Local amenities & recreation
Metric
Value
US rank
Grocery stores
120
#5 of 200
Parks
60
Hiking areas
15
Golf courses
15
Shooting ranges
4
Lakes
4
Permits
Metric
Value
US rank
Building permit difficulty (1–5)
2
#1 of 200
Permit detail
Generally easy; rural areas minimal, major cities moderate
US rank = this metro's position among all 200 metros (1 = best: cheapest / safest / highest income, etc.). Childcare is a family cost, not included in the salary-equivalence total.