Texas is huge — and so is the variation in Section 8 payment standards across the state. What you can rent in Houston for $1,400 might cost $2,000 in Austin. Here's your complete guide to Section 8 in Texas for 2026.

2026 Payment Standards by Metro Area

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land

Houston remains one of the most affordable major metros in Texas:

• Studio: $1,030
• 1 Bedroom: $1,180
• 2 Bedroom: $1,425
• 3 Bedroom: $1,890
• 4 Bedroom: $2,290

Houston's relatively low cost of living means payment standards go further here than in other major cities.

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington

DFW uses SAFMR, so rates vary significantly by ZIP code:

• Lower-cost areas (South Dallas): 2BR around $1,300-1,500
• Mid-range suburbs: 2BR around $1,600-1,800
• Premium areas (Plano, Frisco, McKinney): 2BR $1,900-2,200+

The SAFMR system means landlords in nicer DFW suburbs can accept vouchers at competitive rates.

Austin-Round Rock

Austin has seen explosive growth, and payment standards reflect that:

• 2 Bedroom: $1,720
• 3 Bedroom: $2,240

Austin increased 8-10% for 2026. Still, finding affordable housing in Austin proper remains challenging even with a voucher.

San Antonio-New Braunfels

San Antonio offers a middle ground — urban amenities at more affordable rates:

• 2 Bedroom: $1,280
• 3 Bedroom: $1,680

Other Texas Markets

• El Paso: 2BR around $980 — very affordable
• Corpus Christi: 2BR around $1,050
• Lubbock: 2BR around $920
• McAllen (Rio Grande Valley): 2BR around $850

Major Texas Housing Authorities

Texas has hundreds of PHAs. The largest include:

• Houston Housing Authority (HHA) — One of the largest in the country
• Dallas Housing Authority (DHA)
• San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA)
• Austin Housing Authority (HACA)
• Fort Worth Housing Solutions

Many counties and smaller cities also have their own housing authorities with separate waitlists.

Texas Waitlist Reality

Waitlist status varies across the state:

• Houston: Waitlist opens occasionally, typically 30,000+ families waiting
• Dallas: Often closed, opens in limited windows
• Austin: Very competitive, rarely opens
• San Antonio: More manageable, opens more frequently
• Smaller cities: Often have shorter waits or open lists

Strategy: Apply to multiple PHAs across Texas. There's no limit to how many lists you can be on. Rural areas and smaller cities often have much shorter waits.

Texas Landlord Considerations

Texas does NOT have statewide source-of-income protection. Landlords can legally choose whether to accept vouchers. However, the economics are increasingly favorable:

• DFW and Austin payment standards now match many market rents
• Houston's affordable market means payment standards often exceed what landlords could charge market-rate
• Guaranteed HAP payments are attractive as the economy fluctuates

Finding Housing in Texas

For voucher holders:

• DFW: Look at suburb ZIP codes with strong SAFMR rates — you can often get into good school districts
• Houston: Payment standards go far here. Explore Katy, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands
• Austin: Consider Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Cedar Park for better value
• San Antonio: The north side and Stone Oak area offer good options

2026 Changes for Texas

Key FY2026 updates:

• DFW saw 7-9% increases across most ZIP codes
• Austin jumped 8-10% (catching up to market)
• Houston increased 5-7%
• San Antonio increased 4-6%

Texas continues to grow, and HUD's payment standards are following the market.

→ Look up Texas payment standards by ZIP code