A
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Selma Texas National
Cost of living10794100
Groceries9898100
Health care9898100
Housing12683100
Transportation9798100
Utilities101103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10298100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9898100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Selma, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Selma? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Selma stands at 107, making it 7% higher 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.

The cost of living in Selma closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Selma can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Selma 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 26.1% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Selma Affordable?

Wondering if Selma is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Selma, for example, the median home price is 10.7% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 62% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Selma boasting a median household income of $127,577, which is 56.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Selma?

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

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 Selma, the transportation index is 3.3% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Selma, the utilities index is 0.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Selma 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 Selma is 13% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Selma is 7% higher than the national average
  • Selma housing is 26% 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 Selma

See all the best places to live around Selma

Compare Selma, TX Cost of Living

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

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$149,090$12,424$3,479$4,473
      Renters$107,428$8,952$2,506$3,223
      The affordability of the housing market in Selma, TX as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Selma homeowners, the median income is $149,090. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,479 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $107,428. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,506 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Marion, TX9198911.2%
      Kirby, TX8,908945.6%
      Balcones Heights, TX3,252981.6%
      Lake Dunlap, TX1,592964.5%
      San Antonio, TX1,573,2371000.3%
      Selma, TX11,4841076.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Robstown, TX11,4838515.2%
      La Homa, TX11,4758217.6%
      Lighthouse Point, FL11,49314645.9%
      Summit, IL11,4721000.1%
      Grand Rapids, MN11,472954.9%
      Selma, TX11,4841076.8%
      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.