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Back-to-School Costs Are Rising for Texas Families

  • Writer: Public Democracy America
    Public Democracy America
  • Jul 22
  • 3 min read

Bright pink school backpack with books, pencil, scissors, ruler, markers, lunch bag, apple, and water bottle on white background

Millions of hardworking Texas families still can't keep up with the cost of raising kids. Groceries, rent, gas, childcare, and school supplies: the everyday costs of running a household have climbed faster than most paychecks, and families across the state are feeling squeezed from every direction at once.


More than half of Americans say they're living paycheck to paycheck. About 1 in 3, or roughly 88 million adults nationwide, say their finances are "struggling" or "in crisis," and Texas households are feeling the same pinch. For the first time in three years, prices are also rising faster than wages: from spring 2025 to spring 2026, paychecks grew about 3.6% while the cost of living rose 3.8%.


No Texas family should have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries, or between a parent's paycheck and a child's care. As a state, we can do better for families and for kids. That starts with the cost bearing down on Texas families right now: getting kids ready to go back to school.


Why Back-to-School Costs Are Rising for Texas Families This Year


Every Texas parent wants their kid to walk into the first day of school prepared, with the right supplies and ready to focus on learning. But getting kids ready for the year is expensive, and this year it's worse than usual. With groceries, gas, and utilities all up, many Texas families are heading into back-to-school season with less breathing room in the budget than ever.


Backpacks, calculators, notebooks, lunch gear, shoes, socks, and other classroom basics are up almost 25% from last year, making it harder to check everything off the list.

On average, getting just one child ready for school will cost families $560 this year. For an entire household, it adds up to an average of $863, and that's before school has even started.


Texans Helping Texans


Across Texas, communities are stepping up for each other. Churches, schools, PTAs, and local nonprofits from San Antonio to Houston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Lubbock are running backpack drives and handing out school supplies to give families the extra support they need heading into the new year. Texas also holds its own sales tax holiday this year, August 7 to 9, letting families shop for qualifying school items without extra sales tax on top.


We've pulled together backpack drives, giveaways, and the state sales tax holiday near you. 


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