A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
8%
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 Harker Heights Texas National
Cost of living10294100
Groceries9898100
Health care9998100
Housing10883100
Transportation9598100
Utilities104103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10198100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare10198100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Harker Heights, TX

The cost of living in Harker Heights affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Harker Heights is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Harker Heights is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Harker Heights Affordable?

Is Harker Heights affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Harker Heights, the median home price is 13.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 4.6% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Harker Heights boasting a median household income of $110,679, 36.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Harker Heights?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Harker Heights, the transportation index is 5.1% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Harker Heights cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Harker Heights is 8% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Harker Heights is 2% higher than the national average
  • Harker Heights housing is 8% 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 Harker Heights

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Compare Harker Heights, 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$132,525$11,044$3,092$3,976
      Renters$70,000$5,833$1,633$2,100
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Harker Heights 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. Harker Heights has a median income of about $132,525 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,092 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $70,000. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,633 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.
      Copperas Cove, TX33,796909.6%
      Killeen, TX152,944946.1%
      Nolanville, TX5,920945.9%
      Morgan's Point Resort, TX4,733954.9%
      Belton, TX22,671963.7%
      Harker Heights, TX32,8201021.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Los Gatos, CA32,857305205.4%
      Val-d'Or, QC32,869n/a 
      Wheat Ridge, CO32,75713535.4%
      Midlothian, TX32,75011111.1%
      Juneau, AK32,74613231.9%
      Harker Heights, TX32,8201021.6%
      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.