A+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
60%
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 Donna Texas National
Cost of living8194100
Groceries10198100
Health care9998100
Housing4083100
Transportation9998100
Utilities100103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items10198100
Education & Childcare9498100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Donna, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Donna is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Donna is 81, which is 19% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing expenses often consume a significant portion of your net income, occasionally surpassing 30%. Fortunately, housing costs in Donna are 59.8% below the national average. This highlights the region's exceptional affordability for both homeownership and rentals in comparison to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more reasonable fraction of their income to housing, resulting in enhanced financial flexibility and improved overall financial well-being.

Is Donna Affordable?

Wondering if Donna 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 Donna, for example, the median home price is 67.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 41% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Donna boasting a median household income of $40,659, which is 50% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Donna?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Donna, the transportation index stands at 0.7% lower than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Donna, the housing index stands at 59.8% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Donna, the groceries index registers 0.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Donna 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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Donna is 14% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Donna is 19% lower than the national average
  • Donna housing is 60% 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 Donna

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Compare Donna, TX Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$57,284$4,774$1,337$1,719
      Renters$23,225$1,935$542$697
      The affordability of the housing market in Donna, TX as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Donna homeowners, the median income is $57,284. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,337 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $23,225. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $542 for their rent related monthly 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.
      La Feria North, TX241972.5%
      Campo Verde, TX173981.6%
      La Chuparosa, TX45991.2%
      Yznaga, TX58972.5%
      Tierra Bonita, TX67972.5%
      Donna, TX16,7208118.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stanford, CA16,723340239.8%
      Fairview Park, OH16,727945.8%
      Sierra Vista Southeast, AZ16,7031021.8%
      Aldine, TX16,737919.4%
      Cullman, AL16,694919.3%
      Donna, TX16,7208118.8%
      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.