Groceries, rent and rising costs squeeze North Texas family budgets; survey finds

Groceries top the list of budget concerns as Frisco families face rising living costs and seek ways to make ends meet.

Nearly 6 in 10 respondents to an affordability survey said they were just getting by, struggling to make ends meet or unable to consistently afford basic needs, highlighting the financial pressure facing North Texas households.

The nonscientific audience survey received 1,083 responses, with groceries emerging as the biggest strain on household budgets.

According to the survey, 33.2% of respondents described their financial situation as "just getting by," while 21.5% said they were "struggling to make ends meet." Another 4.4% said they were "unable to consistently afford basic needs."

Meanwhile, 27.4% described themselves as mostly comfortable financially, and 13.6% said they were financially comfortable.

When asked which expenses were putting the greatest strain on their budgets, 27.3% of respondents selected groceries, followed by utilities at 19.2% and housing at 17.2%.

Among younger respondents, ages 25 to 34 and 35 to 44, housing emerged as the biggest financial burden.

Rising costs hit home for Frisco families

For Frisco mother of three Graciela Montoya, the rising cost of groceries has made it increasingly difficult to stretch her family's budget.

"Now with $100 it's no longer enough for meat, just the vegetables and fruit and buying a little," Montoya said.

NBC 5 met Montoya over the summer while she attended a free lunch program hosted by Frisco Family Services.

The program offered help to families facing financial challenges, with volunteers from Preston Trail Community Church distributing food.

Runay Hollis, one of the volunteers, said the need for assistance was especially important as families faced higher everyday expenses.

"We need it right now, and especially the way the world is. The high gas prices and things and stuff, people need help," Hollis said.

Frisco rent has increased 80% in a decade

Housing costs are another growing challenge for families trying to make ends meet.

In Frisco, census data shows median gross rent increased from $1,222 per month in 2014 to $2,200 in 2024.

That's an increase of $978 per month, or approximately 80%, over the decade.

Even after adjusting for inflation, the increase was about 36.5%.

For families already struggling with grocery bills, utilities and other expenses, rising housing costs can add to the financial pressure.

Finding work while avoiding childcare costs

Montoya said her husband works, but their family could benefit from a second income.

She previously worked but stopped after the birth of her youngest child. Now, she's hoping to return to work while balancing the responsibilities of raising three children.

Finding a job that fits her children's school schedule is particularly important because it would allow her family to avoid the additional expense of childcare.

"I want to start looking for a job to see if I can accommodate from 9 to 12 and a half so I can have time to drop the kids off at school and pick them up. So I hope that God will give me something to accommodate," Montoya said.

For Montoya, finding that balance could mean bringing in much-needed income without adding another expense to the family budget.

Her experience reflects the financial pressures reported by many respondents to NBC 5's affordability survey, from the rising cost of groceries and housing to the challenge of earning enough to cover everyday needs.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.