A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
33%
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 Hidalgo Texas National
Cost of living8894100
Groceries9698100
Health care9698100
Housing6783100
Transportation9598100
Utilities103103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10098100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hidalgo, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo is 88, which is 12% 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.

Is Hidalgo Affordable?

Is Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo is 35.9% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 25.6% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hidalgo has a median household income of $56,012, which is 31.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hidalgo?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Hidalgo comes in at 2.8% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

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.

Where is the Data From?

The Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo is 7% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Hidalgo is 12% lower than the national average
  • Hidalgo housing is 33% 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 Hidalgo

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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$63,480$5,290$1,481$1,905
      Renters$31,668$2,639$739$950
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Hidalgo 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. Hidalgo has a median income of about $63,480 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,481 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $31,668. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $739 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.
      E. Lopez, TX230981.9%
      Campo Verde, TX173981.6%
      Palo Blanco, TX62981.9%
      Tierra Dorada, TX0981.9%
      South Alamo, TX2,6067822.2%
      Hidalgo, TX14,2908812.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Whistler, BC14,292n/a 
      Riverhead, NY14,28713332.7%
      Hazel Crest, IL14,284972.8%
      Loveland, OH14,2971022.4%
      Fergus Falls, MN14,278937.5%
      Hidalgo, TX14,2908812.0%
      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.