A-
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
44%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Pearland Texas National
Cost of living11292100
Goods & Services10196100
Groceries10096100
Health care9494100
Housing14483100
Transportation9092100
Utilities103104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Pearland, TX

The cost of living in Pearland 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 Pearland is 112, which is 12% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Pearland cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 43.9% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

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

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in Pearland 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? 40% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 60% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Pearland Affordable?

Is Pearland affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Pearland, for instance, where the median home price falls 40.9% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 50.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Pearland flaunting a median household income of $102,764, 85.8% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pearland?

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.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Pearland comes in at 2.7% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Pearland, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Pearland, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

New Real Estate Listings in Pearland Area
Search Homes for Sale in Pearland, TX

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Pearland is 22% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Pearland is 12% higher than the national average
  • Pearland housing is 44% 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 Pearland

See all the best places to live around Pearland

Compare Pearland, TX Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Pearland?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Pearland?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Pearland poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$120,552$10,046$2,813$3,617
      Renters$65,131$5,428$1,520$1,954
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Pearland, TX, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Pearland have a median income of $120,552. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,813 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $65,131, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,520.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Pearland National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.33$24.2616.2%
      Beauty Salon $47.38$45.564.0%
      Toothpaste $3.48$3.706.1%
      Shampoo $1.22$1.285.0%
      Movie $12.19$12.130.4%
      Bowling $15.83$18.0012.0%

      Groceries

      Item Pearland National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.25$5.8410.1%
      Fried Chicken $1.61$1.572.4%
      Milk $4.55$4.672.5%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.4%
      Pizza $11.82$12.092.2%
      Beer $10.38$10.410.3%

      Health Care

      Item Pearland National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $125.98$125.680.2%
      Doctor $90.89$135.7833.1%
      Dentist $108.10$113.294.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.46$10.651.8%
      Lipitor $503.40$468.607.4%

      Housing

      Item Pearland National avg. Difference
      Home Price $260,300.00$184,700.0040.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,055.86$2,346.6912.4%
      Apartment Rent $1,431.00$949.0050.8%

      Transportation

      Item Pearland National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.14$3.469.1%
      Tire Balancing $56.62$59.925.5%

      Utilities

      Item Pearland National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $233.43$193.9920.3%
      Phone $208.71$192.258.6%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Jacinto City, TX10,5448713.0%
      Galena Park, TX10,8488811.7%
      Sandy Point, TX2098811.6%
      South Houston, TX17,522919.1%
      Arcola, TX2,541928.0%
      Pearland, TX125,81711212.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Topeka, KS125,8198812.3%
      Saanich, BC125,800n/a 
      Simi Valley, CA125,76817170.8%
      Athens, GA124,962973.3%
      Lafayette, LA126,674982.4%
      Pearland, TX125,81711212.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.