| Index | Balch Springs | Texas | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 94 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 77 | 83 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 103 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 102 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 93 | 98 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Balch Springs can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Balch Springs cost of living index is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
In Balch Springs, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Balch Springs will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 14 residents in Balch Springs to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 50% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 50% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Balch Springs affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Balch Springs, the median home price is 35% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 6.6% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Balch Springs boasting a median household income of $77,173, 5.1% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Balch Springs, the utilities index registers at 4.3% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Balch Springs are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $96,402 | $8,034 | $2,249 | $2,892 |
| Renters | $62,468 | $5,206 | $1,457 | $1,874 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Texas | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Mesquite CDP, TX | 647 | 81 | 18.9% |
| Wilmer, TX | 4,836 | 86 | 13.7% |
| Hutchins, TX | 5,962 | 88 | 12.2% |
| Ferris, TX | 2,901 | 94 | 6.3% |
| Seagoville, TX | 17,072 | 97 | 3.1% |
| Balch Springs, TX | 25,952 | 92 | 8.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| El Cerrito, CA | 25,955 | 202 | 102.3% |
| Bloomingdale, FL | 25,961 | 119 | 19.5% |
| Athens, OH | 25,971 | 96 | 4.3% |
| Kingsville, TX | 25,932 | 90 | 10.3% |
| La Prairie, QC | 25,972 | n/a | |
| Balch Springs, TX | 25,952 | 92 | 8.0% |
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