F
86%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
282%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Bellaire Texas National
Cost of living18694100
Groceries10398100
Health care9898100
Housing38283100
Transportation10198100
Utilities104103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9998100
Household Items10198100
Education & Childcare10898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bellaire, TX

Understanding the cost of living in Bellaire 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 Bellaire cost of living index is 186, which is 86% higher 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.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Bellaire may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Bellaire falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Bellaire, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 282.1% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Bellaire Affordable?

Wondering if Bellaire is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Bellaire, for example, the median home price is 356.1% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 109.3% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Bellaire boasting a median household income of $294,841, which is 262.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bellaire?

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Bellaire, the utilities index registers 4.1% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Bellaire, the groceries index is 3.3% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Bellaire, healthcare costs are 2.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bellaire cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bellaire is 97% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Bellaire is 86% higher than the national average
  • Bellaire housing is 282% higher than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Bellaire

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Compare Bellaire, TX Cost of Living

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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$320,988$26,749$7,489$9,631
      Renters$101,758$8,480$2,374$3,053
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Bellaire, TX, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Bellaire homeowners, is $320,988. This would allow for a maximum of $7,489 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $101,758 which would result in a maximum of $2,374 to be spent on rental costs.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fifth Street, TX2,2568217.9%
      Jacinto City, TX10,8268713.0%
      Galena Park, TX11,0978811.8%
      Aldine, TX16,737919.4%
      South Houston, TX17,971909.5%
      Bellaire, TX19,55318686.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Morristown, NJ19,56115150.9%
      Nanuet, NY19,53814241.8%
      Onalaska, WI19,5351022.3%
      Sherrelwood, CO19,53112322.6%
      Valle Vista, CA19,53011515.4%
      Bellaire, TX19,55318686.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.