A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
19%
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 Katy Texas National
Cost of living10594100
Groceries9998100
Health care10098100
Housing11983100
Transportation9798100
Utilities102103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare10098100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Katy, TX

Understanding the cost of living in Katy can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Katy cost of living index is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

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

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Katy?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 6 residents in Katy to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 33% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 67% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Katy Affordable?

Wondering if Katy 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 Katy, for example, the median home price is 17.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 22.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Katy boasting a median household income of $131,259, which is 61.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Katy?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Katy, the transportation index is 2.8% 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 Katy, healthcare costs are 0.4% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Katy, the groceries index is 1.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Katy 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 Katy is 11% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Katy is 5% higher than the national average
  • Katy housing is 19% 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 Katy

See all the best places to live around Katy

Compare Katy, TX Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$168,902$14,075$3,941$5,068
      Renters$67,778$5,648$1,581$2,034
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Katy, TX, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Katy, the median monthly income is $168,902 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,941 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $67,778, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,581 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Wallis, TX1,8138613.9%
      Brookshire, TX5,7528712.6%
      Orchard, TX170937.2%
      Richmond, TX13,080990.8%
      Meadows Place, TX5,0421021.9%
      Katy, TX21,0571054.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      American Canyon, CA21,06116160.7%
      Agoura Hills, CA21,069205105.1%
      Ashland, OH21,0438713.4%
      Secaucus, NJ21,08015352.6%
      Hammond, LA21,033954.5%
      Katy, TX21,0571054.6%
      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.