F
33%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
113%
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 Murphy Texas National
Cost of living13394100
Groceries9698100
Health care9898100
Housing21383100
Transportation9998100
Utilities101103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10498100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare10098100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Murphy, TX

The cost of living in Murphy affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Murphy is 133, which is 33% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Murphy is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Murphy falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Murphy, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 112.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Murphy Affordable?

Is Murphy an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Murphy, the median home price is 107.3% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 124.7% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Murphy come in at $206,182, which is 153.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Murphy?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Murphy, the utilities index registers at 1.1% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Murphy, the transportation index is 1% lower than the national average.

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.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Murphy 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 Murphy is 41% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Murphy is 33% higher than the national average
  • Murphy housing is 113% 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 Murphy

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Compare Murphy, TX Cost of Living

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      Utilities 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$212,060$17,672$4,948$6,362
      Renters$125,263$10,439$2,923$3,758
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Murphy, TX, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Murphy homeowners, is $212,060. This would allow for a maximum of $4,948 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $125,263 which would result in a maximum of $2,923 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      St. Paul CDP, TX6088019.8%
      St. Paul, TX1,4078019.7%
      Mobile City, TX213982.1%
      Garland, TX245,2111021.8%
      Farmersville, TX3,6841032.6%
      Murphy, TX21,30713333.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Park Forest, IL21,311919.3%
      Fernley, NV21,27011312.8%
      Lynn Haven, FL21,3441109.9%
      Beaumont, AB21,267n/a 
      Mead Valley, CA21,26312726.8%
      Murphy, TX21,30713333.0%
      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.