| Index | Harlingen | Texas | National |
| Cost of living | 86 | 94 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 60 | 83 | 100 |
| Transportation | 94 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 103 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 93 | 98 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Harlingen? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Harlingen stands at 86, making it 14% 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.
It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Harlingen stands out by reporting housing costs that are 40.5% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 7 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Harlingen. The feedback revealed that 57% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 43% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Harlingen 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 Harlingen is 47.9% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 23% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Harlingen has a median household income of $63,478, which is 22% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, 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. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.
Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Harlingen, the groceries index is 4% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Harlingen, healthcare costs are 0% equal to the national average.
The cost of living data for Harlingen shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $84,863 | $7,072 | $1,980 | $2,546 |
| Renters | $41,921 | $3,493 | $978 | $1,258 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Texas | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lozano, TX | 0 | 97 | 2.5% |
| La Feria North, TX | 241 | 97 | 2.5% |
| Rancho Viejo CDP, TX | 282 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Los Fresnos CDP, TX | 64 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Santa Monica, TX | 11 | 97 | 2.5% |
| Harlingen, TX | 66,722 | 86 | 13.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Schenectady, NY | 66,726 | 99 | 0.7% |
| Jupiter, FL | 66,688 | 133 | 32.6% |
| San Clemente, CA | 66,681 | 208 | 107.9% |
| East Orange, NJ | 66,655 | 115 | 15.1% |
| Blaine, MN | 66,645 | 112 | 11.6% |
| Harlingen, TX | 66,722 | 86 | 13.9% |
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