A
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Red Oak Texas National
Cost of living10794100
Groceries10198100
Health care9798100
Housing12783100
Transportation9698100
Utilities104103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Red Oak, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Red Oak 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 Red Oak is 107, which is 7% 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.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Red Oak are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Red Oak can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Red Oak cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 27% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Red Oak?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 28 residents in Red Oak 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? 36% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 64% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Red Oak Affordable?

Is Red Oak 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 Red Oak, the median home price is 26.4% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 28.5% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Red Oak come in at $116,795, which is 43.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Red Oak?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Red Oak, healthcare costs are 2.6% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

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 Red Oak, the transportation index is 4.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Red Oak cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Red Oak is 14% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Red Oak is 7% higher than the national average
  • Red Oak housing is 27% 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 Red Oak

See all the best places to live around Red Oak

Compare Red Oak, TX Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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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$139,919$11,660$3,265$4,198
      Renters$61,610$5,134$1,437$1,848
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Red Oak, 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 Red Oak have a median income of $139,919. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,265 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $61,610, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,437.

      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.
      Wilmer, TX4,8368613.7%
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      Cockrell Hill, TX4,306927.9%
      Balch Springs, TX25,952928.0%
      Red Oak, TX13,4281077.1%

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      Moody, AL13,428963.5%
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      Stoughton, WI13,4111032.9%
      Red Oak, TX13,4281077.1%
      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.