The median household income in Texas is $67,700. Using the 15% of take-home pay guideline, the maximum affordable monthly car payment for a typical TX household is around $635.
At that income level, the typical Texas buyer can comfortably finance a $36,000 vehicle over 60 months without overextending. Stretching to 72 or 84 months reduces monthly payments but significantly increases total interest paid.
Texas has no state income tax, which gives residents more take-home pay and slightly more car-buying flexibility than equivalent-income households in income-tax states.
The cost of living in Texas is 94 (national average = 100). Everyday expenses in Texas are close to the national average.