A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
3%
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 Elgin Texas National
Cost of living9894100
Groceries10198100
Health care9998100
Housing9783100
Transportation9898100
Utilities103103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare9398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Elgin, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Elgin? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Elgin stands at 98, making it 2% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Elgin are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Elgin can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Elgin Affordable?

Is Elgin an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Elgin is 7.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 6.7% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Elgin has a median household income of $104,273, which is 28.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Elgin?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Elgin, healthcare costs are 1.5% lower than the national average.

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 Elgin, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 0%.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Elgin 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 Elgin is 4% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Elgin is 2% lower than the national average
  • Elgin housing is 3% 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 Elgin

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Compare Elgin, 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$122,333$10,194$2,854$3,670
      Renters$61,704$5,142$1,440$1,851
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Elgin, TX, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Elgin, homeowners have a median income of $122,333. Using that number, a maximum of $2,854 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $61,704, which means there is a maximum of $1,440 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Camp Swift, TX6,6888911.2%
      Coupland, TX388981.8%
      Garfield, TX2,5601021.9%
      Circle D-KC Estates, TX2,8191010.6%
      McDade, TX1,3321011.1%
      Elgin, TX10,490982.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Capitola, CA10,49218382.6%
      Panthersville, GA10,494946.5%
      North Glengarry, ON10,494n/a 
      Struthers, OH10,4988118.6%
      Rotonda, FL10,50011211.8%
      Elgin, TX10,490982.3%
      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.