After moving from Torrance, California to Houston, Texas, many people ask me this.

"Hey, they say gas is cheap in Texas and that the cost of living is really low? I'm jealous~"

So I respond, "Well... that's half true and half false."

Of course, it is definitely cheaper.

Especially when shopping at the market, you can really feel the difference. If you visit H Mart or the local H.E.B. here in Houston, you'll find that the prices of meat, fruits, and essentials are definitely lower than in California. Even when I fill a basket to the brim, my heart doesn't race as much at the checkout. In California, just filling half a basket would make me think, "What did I buy that cost over $200?"

The reason is simple.

Texas has lower taxes, fewer regulations, and more land.

Since the operating costs for businesses are lower, they can afford to mark up less and still make a profit.

Whether it's a market or a restaurant, the burden of labor costs and rent is relatively low, so prices overall become more reasonable.

Moreover, Texas doesn't get overly excited about emotional marketing like "eggs from happy chickens" or "organic broccoli."

Goods are goods, and food is food. Practicality comes first.

However, not everything is cheap.

These days, even among people living in Texas, this phrase is often heard.

"Things aren't like they used to be here."

Take housing prices, for example. Especially in urban areas like Houston, Austin, and Dallas, home prices have skyrocketed.

Just a few years ago, Texas was known as a "state where buying a house is easy," but now the consolation is, "Well, it's still cheaper than California, right?"

Austin has already reached a level similar to many California cities, and even in Houston, popular areas are increasing in price day by day.

Honestly, it's embarrassing to say that real estate is cheap these days.

Another thing, car insurance is surprisingly expensive.

This was a real surprise, but it turns out that the accident rate is high and there are many uninsured drivers.

Additionally, it's hard to definitively say that home insurance and health insurance are cheaper than in California.

In fact, regarding insurance, you realize in Texas that "you can't get something cheap and good."

Moreover, the electricity bill for air conditioning in the summer is no joke.

In the peak of summer, in July and August, you can't live in Houston without turning on the air conditioning.

With sweat pouring down all day, the electricity bill also comes out high.

Someone next door said their electricity bill was $350 last month, looking distressed.

Even in areas where electricity is cheap, the usage in summer is so high that it ultimately adds up to be similar.

And no matter what, Texas can't escape inflation.

With prices rising nationwide, Texas can't be a no-wind zone.

Eating out at restaurants has definitely become more expensive than before, and items like children's school supplies and electronics don't feel particularly cheap either.

Even Korean markets are no exception, as imported ingredients can sometimes feel even more expensive.

In conclusion, it can be said like this: "Basic living expenses are definitely on the cheaper side.

But beyond that, it's not necessarily the case."

Shopping for groceries, buying rice, and purchasing meat are less burdensome.

However, the moment you buy a house, get insurance, and run the air conditioning in the summer, Texas is definitely not just a cheap state.

Moreover, there are significant differences between cities, so even in Texas, the cost of living can vary greatly depending on which neighborhood you live in.

Still, compared to California... it's still a bit more relaxed.

Being able to say, "This is okay" as you leave the market with your shopping basket, that's the practicality Texas offers.