A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
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 Lufkin Texas National
Cost of living9194100
Groceries10098100
Health care9898100
Housing7383100
Transportation9698100
Utilities105103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lufkin, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lufkin? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lufkin stands at 91, making it 9% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Lufkin are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Lufkin 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 Lufkin?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 8 residents in Lufkin 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? 38% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 63% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Lufkin Affordable?

Is Lufkin 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 Lufkin, the median home price is 33.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Lufkin boasting a median household income of $71,988, 11.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lufkin?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Lufkin, the healthcare costs are 2.4% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Lufkin, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Lufkin are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lufkin is 4% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Lufkin is 9% lower than the national average
  • Lufkin housing is 27% 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 Lufkin

See all the best places to live around Lufkin

Compare Lufkin, TX Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$88,683$7,390$2,069$2,661
      Renters$50,662$4,222$1,182$1,520
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Lufkin, 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 Lufkin, the median monthly income is $88,683 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,069 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $50,662, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,182 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.
      Wells, TX9328119.3%
      Diboll, TX5,4038217.9%
      Huntington, TX3,2518317.3%
      Redland, TX1,0678712.8%
      Burke, TX758909.6%
      Lufkin, TX36,382919.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Buenaventura Lakes, FL36,3891088.2%
      East Point, GA36,363982.5%
      Inver Grove Heights, MN36,35611312.7%
      Richmond, IN36,4168415.6%
      Carrollwood, FL36,42411514.6%
      Lufkin, TX36,382919.4%
      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.