A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
29%
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 Denison Texas National
Cost of living9094100
Groceries9798100
Health care10198100
Housing7183100
Transportation9798100
Utilities100103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10098100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9698100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Denison, TX

Understanding the cost of living in Denison 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 Denison cost of living index is 90, which is 10% 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Denison?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in Denison 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? 40% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 60% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Denison Affordable?

Is Denison affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Denison, for instance, where the median home price falls 39.3% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 6.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Denison flaunting a median household income of $74,347, 8.6% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Denison?

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Denison, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 0%.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Denison, the groceries index is 2.9% lower than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Denison, the transportation index is 2.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Denison cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Denison is 4% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Denison is 10% lower than the national average
  • Denison housing is 29% lower 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 Denison

See all the best places to live around Denison

Compare Denison, TX Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
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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$91,685$7,640$2,139$2,751
      Renters$52,036$4,336$1,214$1,561
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Denison, TX, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Denison, the median monthly income is $91,685 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,139 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $52,036, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,214 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      New Woodville, OK52981.7%
      Platter, OK157981.7%
      Hendrix, OK858020.4%
      Cartwright, OK5008020.0%
      Achille, OK3848217.9%
      Denison, TX25,3499010.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Willowbrook, CA25,34713636.0%
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      Westmont, IL25,35611616.3%
      Candiac, QC25,341n/a 
      Inkster, MI25,3338217.5%
      Denison, TX25,3499010.0%
      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.