We all know that Texas is hot, like really, really hot. And now, the National Weather Service is forecasting an even hotter summer for Texas this year.

According to a new analysis by ConsumerAffairs, Texas has one of the highest summer cooling cost burdens. We're No. 5 in fact, after Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arizona.

TLDR: Texas households spend some of the largest shares of income on summer electricity bills, compared to non-Texas residents.

By the numbers

3.8%. That's the percentage of their income Texan homeowners spend to keep cool in the summer — the national average of 2.9%
$252. That's how much households are paying on average per month in the summer. It's the second-highest in the US and 26% above the national average. In June 2022, payments were the highest in the last six years at $318.
$6,727. That's the median monthly household income. That's slightly below the national median, but electricity bills are just high enough to land Texas in fifth place.
37.5%. That's how much the average monthly electricity bill in Texas has risen over the past five years. In Tarrant County, it's even higher — 47.4%.

Looking to reduce your summer electricity bill? We hear Alaska is beautiful. Plus, it has one of the lowest cooling burdens.

Just joking — a proven method for saving money is switching to solar. Learn about FTW's policy on residential panels.