Cost Of Living Comparison: Dallas Vs. Houston Vs. Austin Dallas, Houston, and Austin can sit on the same Texas map and still feel like three different economies once your bills start landing in the mailbox. After years of watching friends bounce between a Katy apartment off I-10, a Dallas spot near the Tollway, and an Austin rental tucked behind South Lamar, I’ve learned the “cost of living” story isn’t just rent and groceries.

The Comprehensive Guide To Living In Texas (2026 Edition) Texas feels less like one state and more like a whole set of regions stitched together by long highways, limestone ridges, bay systems, and a calendar that’s built around heat, school districts, and what county office you’re dealing with. If you’re relocating in 2026, the details that actually shape your day-to-day life aren’t the postcard stuff—it's how your neighborhood is governed, how your electric bill is structured, and why “the DMV” in Texas usually means a…

Best Places to Live in Texas (For Expat Research) Texas can feel like several countries stitched into one state: big metros, coastal towns, college cities, and wide-open Hill Country drives. If you’re doing expat research, the goal isn’t to “pick the best city.” It’s to find the best fit for your work, daily rhythm, and long-term comfort. This guide is written for international newcomers who want a practical shortlist, clear comparison points, and a plan they can use right away.

Tips for Visiting Texas with Children (Family Travel) Texas is huge, varied, and full of family-friendly surprises. The trick is planning for comfort first, then layering in the fun. When kids feel good—fed, rested, and not overheated—everything else gets easier. Best for: families with toddlers, school-age kids, and teens Trip styles: city breaks, road trips, parks, beaches, museum days Quick mindset:

Best Apps for Navigating, Dining, and Traveling in Texas Texas is huge, wonderfully varied, and easy to enjoy when the right apps are already on your phone. Think of this page as a practical toolkit: reliable navigation for long drives, smart dining choices in every neighborhood, and travel planning that stays smooth from big cities to wide-open landscapes. Table of Contents…

Texas is made for road trips. Distances are big, scenery changes quickly, and a “short drive” can easily turn into a full day behind the wheel. With a little planning and a few smart habits, long-distance driving in Texas can feel calm, comfortable, and confident. Table of Contents What Makes Long Drives in Texas Different Before You Leave: Route, Timing, and a Fast Vehicle Check…

What to Know About Texas Sales Tax and Tax-Free Shopping Texas makes it fairly easy to understand what you’ll pay at checkout—once you know one key detail: your combined sales tax rate (state + local). Add in Texas “tax-free” weekends (sales tax holidays), and you can plan bigger purchases with real confidence. Quick takeaways Texas state sales tax is 6.25%

How to Use Toll Roads in Texas with TollTag, EZ TAG, or TxTag Driving around Texas often means crossing cashless toll roads and managed lanes. With the right tag on your windshield and a funded account, you pass through normally and pay the lowest available toll rates. No toll booths. No stopping. Just keep moving. Table of Contents What to Expect on Texas Toll Roads…

Texas Travel Safety Guide for Solo International Travelers Traveling solo in Texas can feel wonderfully freeing. The cities are energetic, the landscapes are big, and the day trips are endless. This guide focuses on practical, day-to-day safety habits that help you stay comfortable and confident from arrival to checkout. Table of Contents Quick safety snapshot for Texas trips Before you go: documents, health, and backup plans…

Understanding Tipping Culture in the United States (Texas Edition) Tipping in the U.S. can feel like a hidden language. In Texas, it’s usually friendly, direct, and practical. You’ll see tipping in restaurants, bars, hotels, tours, and many personal services. You’ll also see tip prompts on screens in places where tipping is optional. Texas quick takeaway: For full-service dining, 15–20% is the common range.

Texas is big. Still, you can move around smoothly without renting a car if you mix intercity buses, passenger trains, and short in-state flights. The trick is choosing the right tool for each distance and pairing it with local transit once you arrive. Prefer a quick overview first? This video shares practical, real-world tips for riding the Texas Eagle.

Texas trip planning Texas Travel Budget: How Much Money Do I Need Per Day? Texas can be surprisingly flexible on price. You can keep it simple and still eat well, see iconic sights, and cover a lot of ground. The trick is knowing what your daily “base cost” looks like, then adding the Texas-specific extras: big distances, occasional tolls, and seasonal hotel swings.

So, you’ve landed in the Lone Star State, ready to experience everything from the live music in Austin to the space centers in Houston. Here is the reality check: Texas is huge. Unlike many other destinations where you can rely on public transit, Texas practically demands that you have a car. But for international visitors, renting a car here isn't just about picking a vehicle and driving off; it involves navigating a specific set of rules, insurance policies, and the notorious "cashless" toll roads.

Think Texas is all about brisket and cowboy steaks? Think again. While the Lone Star State wears its BBQ badge with pride, a quiet (and delicious) revolution has been simmering in its major cities. From Austin’s food truck parks to Houston’s multicultural culinary scene, Texas has become an unexpected haven for plant-based travelers. Whether you are a lifelong vegan or just looking for a lighter meal amidst the heat, you won't go hungry here.

The Story of Dr Pepper: A Texas Original If there is one flavor that captures the spirit of the Lone Star State, it isn't barbecue sauce or chili—it's the distinctive, indescribable taste of Dr Pepper. Born right here in Central Texas, this soda is more than just a sweet treat; it is a piece of living history. Before Coca-Cola became a global giant, a pharmacist in Waco was already mixing up what would become the national drink of Texas.

Texas isn't just a state; it's a whole other state of mind. For visitors landing in Houston, driving through the Hill Country, or exploring the dusty plains of West Texas, the local language can sometimes feel like a foreign dialect. You might speak English, but do you speak Texan? Whether you are moving here or just passing through for some brisket, understanding the local vernacular is key to unlocking the legendary…

When most people think of Texas cuisine, their minds drift to smoky brisket, sizzling fajitas, or chicken fried steak the size of a hubcap. But if you stop there, you are missing out on one of the state's most vibrant and underrated culinary treasures. With over 360 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Texas boasts a seafood scene that rivals any coastal state, blending Southern tradition, Gulf freshness, and bold immigrant flavors.

In Texas, asking who makes the best breakfast taco isn't just a culinary question; it is a way to start a fight. It is the Great Taco War. On one side, you have San Antonio, the defender of tradition and the undisputed king of the flour tortilla. On the other, Austin, the hip challenger known for innovation, "migas," and wrapping everything in foil.

Texas Desserts You Absolutely Must Try (Pecan Pie, Cobbler, etc.) Discover the sweet side of the Lone Star State. From the official state pie to the hidden gems of Tex-Mex bakeries, here is your ultimate guide to Texas desserts. They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that rule definitely applies to our sweet tooth. If you are visiting the Lone Star State or just looking to bake something with a Southern soul, you aren't just looking for sugar—you are looking for history, tradition, and a whole lot of butter.

The Lone Star State of Mind: A Comprehensive Guide to Texas Craft Beer Everything is bigger in Texas, and that undeniably includes the thirst for high-quality, locally brewed beer. Gone are the days when "Texas beer" simply meant a generic light lager. Today, the state is a powerhouse of fermentation, blending historic German brewing traditions with a modern, rebellious American spirit.

The Texas Music Scene: From Country to Blues When you step foot in the Lone Star State, you aren't just entering a massive geographical area; you are walking into a living, breathing melody. For visitors exploring Texas, understanding its musical heartbeat is just as crucial as visiting the Alamo or eating barbecue. From the smoky blues clubs of Deep Ellum to the neon-lit honky-tonks of Fort Worth, the…

Picture this: You’ve just landed in the Lone Star State. The sky is bigger, the tea is sweeter, and everyone seems to be waving at you. Welcome to Texas! While Texans are renowned for their Southern hospitality, there is an unwritten code of conduct that governs daily life here. Whether you are visiting for business in Houston or a rodeo in Fort Worth, understanding these subtle social nuances will transform you from a confused tourist into a welcome guest.

The Ultimate Guide to Late-Night Dining in Austin Austin, Texas, is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, but anyone who has spent a night two-stepping at the Broken Spoke or catching a show on Red River knows the truth: it’s also the capital of serious late-night cravings. When the venues close and the neon lights of 6th Street flicker, the city’s culinary scene wakes up for a second shift.

Welcome to the Tex-Mex Capital of the World If you think you know tacos, but you haven’t eaten your way through San Antonio, I have some news for you: you haven’t started yet. While Austin keeps it weird and Dallas keeps it fancy, San Antonio keeps it deliciously authentic. Here, Tex-Mex isn't just a food category; it is a religion, a history lesson, and a love language all rolled into a warm, handmade flour tortilla.

Welcome to the holy grail of carnivorous cuisine. If you are browsing HowTexas.com, you already know that barbecue here isn't just a meal; it is a religion, a sport, and a love language all rolled into one. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local looking to expand your palate, understanding the nuances of Texas BBQ—specifically the holy trinity of brisket, ribs, and sausage—is essential.