An Overview of Cost of Living in Killeen, TX
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Killeen 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 Killeen is 90, which is 10% 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.
Everyday necessities such as clothing, personal hygiene products and recreational activities collectively contribute to the overall cost of living. The favorable news is that in Killeen, these essential goods and services are priced 10.3% below the national average. This translates to the ability to procure essential items and indulge in leisure activities without depleting one's financial resources excessively. With the resulting savings, individuals have the opportunity to allocate additional funds towards their savings or other financial objectives.
Groceries are getting more and more expensive, and it's hard to find cities with budget-friendly food options. But here in Killeen, the grocery index is 8.7% less than the national average, which means you can purchase your groceries without breaking the bank.
What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Killeen?
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 13 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Killeen. The feedback revealed that 77% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 23% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Killeen Affordable?
Is Killeen 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 Killeen is 28.5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 0.1% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Killeen has a median household income of $50,335, which is 9% lower than the national average.
What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Killeen?
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 Killeen, the groceries index is 8.7% lower 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.
Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Killeen, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 0%.
Where is the Data From?
The Killeen cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. The index takes into account data from 300 independent researches, covering more than 60 goods and services across 6 different categories, to create an overall index for each area, with 100 being the average. The C2ER index does not include sales or income tax rates in their data, however AreaVibes does include both income and sales tax rates in the overall cost of living score for each area.
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