A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
21%
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 Forest Hill Texas National
Cost of living9594100
Groceries10398100
Health care10298100
Housing7983100
Transportation9898100
Utilities108103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9998100
Household Items10198100
Education & Childcare9998100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Forest Hill, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Forest Hill? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Forest Hill stands at 95, making it 5% 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 Forest Hill are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Forest Hill can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Forest Hill Affordable?

Wondering if Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill, for example, the median home price is 37.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 19% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Forest Hill boasting a median household income of $69,346, which is 14.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Forest Hill?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Forest Hill, healthcare costs are 1.6% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Forest Hill, the transportation index is 1.6% 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.

Where is the Data From?

The Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill is 1% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Forest Hill is 5% lower than the national average
  • Forest Hill housing is 21% 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 Forest Hill

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Compare Forest Hill, 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$74,596$6,216$1,740$2,238
      Renters$60,928$5,077$1,422$1,828
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Forest Hill is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Forest Hill has a median income of about $74,596 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,740 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $60,928. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,422 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Lakeside town (San Patricio County), TX3168515.0%
      Sansom Park, TX5,730919.4%
      Everman, TX6,422909.9%
      Blue Mound, TX2,372936.8%
      White Settlement, TX18,316955.0%
      Forest Hill, TX13,444955.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Perth East, ON13,452n/a 
      Rocky Point, NY13,45812928.8%
      Moody, AL13,428963.5%
      Red Oak, TX13,4281077.1%
      Jupiter Farms, FL13,46113333.3%
      Forest Hill, TX13,444955.2%
      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.