D
25%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
85%
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 Melissa Texas National
Cost of living12594100
Groceries10098100
Health care9998100
Housing18583100
Transportation9598100
Utilities108103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10098100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare9398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Melissa, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Melissa 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 Melissa is 125, which is 25% higher 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.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Melissa is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Melissa falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Melissa cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 85.3%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Melissa Affordable?

Is Melissa 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 Melissa, the median home price is 76.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 106.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Melissa boasting a median household income of $177,542, 118.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Melissa?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Melissa, the transportation index is 5.3% 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 Melissa, the groceries index is 0.1% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Melissa 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 Melissa is 33% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Melissa is 25% higher than the national average
  • Melissa housing is 85% 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 Melissa

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Compare Melissa, TX Cost of Living

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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$192,636$16,053$4,495$5,780
      Renters$111,246$9,271$2,596$3,338
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Melissa 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. Melissa has a median income of about $192,636 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $4,495 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $111,246. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,596 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.
      Trenton, TX688909.7%
      Blue Ridge, TX861973.4%
      Westminster, TX786982.2%
      Van Alstyne, TX4,248982.3%
      Farmersville, TX3,6841032.6%
      Melissa, TX11,03012525.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Comstock Park, MI11,032954.8%
      East Liverpool, OH11,0327921.0%
      Arkadelphia, AR11,0278614.4%
      Millington, TN11,024909.6%
      Yazoo City, MS11,0228119.1%
      Melissa, TX11,03012525.0%
      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.