Texas · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Denton County, TX

The median household in Denton County, TX earns $111,498 a year ($9,292/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,931/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $77,240 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.1% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$111,498$9,292 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,931HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)103.1+3.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential TX
Census Population979,561Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Denton County, TX

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,931Monthly market rent
Share of gross income20.8%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$77,240To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,787At 30% of $111,498
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Denton County, TX

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Denton County, TX
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,582$18,984$63,28017%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,648$19,776$65,92017.7%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,931$23,172$77,24020.8%
3-Bedroom Home$2,431$29,172$97,24026.2%
4-Bedroom Home$3,091$37,092$123,64033.3%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Denton County, TX →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Denton County, TX

Based on the local median household income of $111,498/year ($9,292/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$4,646/moRent ($1,931 2-BR), utilities (~$143/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,787/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 103.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,858/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Texas

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Texas state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$111,498
$40,000$225,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$111,498
Net 78%
Fed 14%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$87,269After all taxes
Monthly deposit$7,272Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$3,356Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate21.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$15,700 / yr
Texas state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$8,530 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Texas with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Denton County, TX

What is the median household income in Denton County, TX?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Denton County, TX is $111,498 per year (approximately $9,292 per month).

What is the average rent in Denton County, TX?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Denton County, TX are $1,582 for a studio, $1,648 for 1 bedroom, $1,931 for 2 bedrooms, $2,431 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,091 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Denton County, TX compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Denton County, TX is 103.1 (3.1% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Denton County, TX?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,931/month) in Denton County, TX requires a minimum gross household income of $77,240 per year ($6,437 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Denton County, TX?

For a typical household earning the median income of $111,498/year ($9,292/month) in Denton County, TX, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $4,646/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,787/month to discretionary spending, and $1,858/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Denton County, TX?

Residential electricity rates in Texas average 15.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $143 per month.