The cost of living in Texas City is among the lowest in the state. The city is located within Galveston County, Texas, and forms part of the Galveston-Texas City complex. It is a deepwater port within channels that empty into the Gulf of Mexico. Since World War II, its industrial activities have expanded considerably to smelt tin and produce petrochemicals.
Texas City has a cost of living that is 3% lower than the Texas average and 11% lower than the national average. The cost of living in different areas varies based on various factors such as the average household income and the real estate market. According to 2019 estimates, Texas City has a population of 50,094.
Breakdown of Texas City Cost of Living
Housing
Housing in Texas City is 28% lower than the national average, which hints at relative affordability. An excellent indicator of housing affordability in an area is the percentage of monthly income that is spent on housing. This is also known as the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.
The standard is that housing-related expenses should not exceed 36 percent of gross income on total expenses, debts inclusive. Since the median yearly income in Texas City is $56,522 for homeowners, the rule allows $1,319 for housing expenses each month. On the other hand, renters earn about $29,269 yearly, which permits $683 on monthly rents.
According to RENTCafe, the average rent for an 817 sq. ft apartment in Texas City is $941, a 1% increase compared to $931 of the previous year. This is high using the DTI ratio, but this price varies based on the apartment’s quality and location. The median home price is $251,413.
Of course studio apartments are the smallest and cheapest while the extra space from 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments hike up their costs. 6% of apartments range from $501 – $700, 66% are between $701 – $1,000, 27% $1,001 – $1,500 and only 1% cost between $1,501 – $2000.
Transportation
At $2.34, gasoline in Texas City is 9.9% cheaper than the national average. Other transportation cost estimates include tire balancing, which is 12.8% higher than the national average at $55.17. It is a city for car owners. Greyhound Bus Lines provide bus service from the Texas City La Marque Station in La Marque to different destinations.
Food
Food is quite affordable in Texas City. A pound of ground beef and potatoes costs $3.61 and $2.63, respectively. Fried chicken costs $1.22, while a carton of milk and a pizza goes for $1.29, $8.54 each. These prices are all below the national average. Beer, however, surpasses at $9.63.
Utilities
Texas City utilities are higher than the national average. Electricity costs $189.83 monthly on average compared to the US average of $167.60. Phone bills are typically around $181.14 each month, which is higher than the country’s $163.42.
