Several Texas Cities Among Nation’s Least Affordable Places to Maintain a Fitness Lifestyle

AUSTIN, Texas (TXAN 24) — A new study from Bespoke Fit is raising concerns about the cost of healthy living across Texas, with seven major Texas cities appearing in a nationwide ranking measuring how much of a resident’s income is required to maintain a basic fitness routine.

The study analyzed gym memberships, healthy groceries, protein shakes, and running shoes across the nation’s 50 largest cities, comparing those costs to local earnings.

Among Texas cities, San Antonio ranked highest, placing 11th nationally, with residents spending an estimated 7.91% of monthly income on fitness-related expenses.

The Texas rankings were:

• San Antonio — 11th nationally (7.91% of monthly income)

• Arlington — 13th nationally (7.81%)

• El Paso — 18th nationally (7.34%)

• Fort Worth — 22nd nationally (7.17%)

• Dallas — 32nd nationally (6.40%)

• Houston — 35th nationally (6.33%)

• Austin — 48th nationally (4.89%)

Researchers found that while Austin had the highest total monthly fitness cost among Texas cities at $273.10, higher average earnings made those expenses less burdensome relative to income. Meanwhile, residents in San Antonio, Arlington, and El Paso face lower overall costs but devote a larger share of their paychecks to maintaining an active lifestyle.

The findings highlight a broader challenge facing Texans as rising costs continue to affect household budgets. In several of the state’s largest cities, staying active and maintaining healthy habits can require more than seven percent of a worker’s monthly earnings, creating potential barriers to long-term health and wellness.

According to Bespoke Fit founder Carl Borg, affordability is often a greater predictor of fitness success than expensive memberships or equipment, emphasizing that sustainable routines are those that fit within a person’s time, lifestyle, and budget.