A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
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 Temple Texas National
Cost of living9494100
Groceries9698100
Health care9898100
Housing8683100
Transportation10198100
Utilities103103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9598100
Household Items9698100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Temple, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Temple? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Temple stands at 94, making it 6% lower 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 Temple 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 Temple can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

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

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 10 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Temple. The feedback revealed that 30% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 70% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Temple Affordable?

Is Temple 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 Temple, for instance, where the median home price falls 17.8% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 4.5% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Temple flaunting a median household income of $79,785, 1.9% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Temple?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Temple, the healthcare costs are 1.6% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Temple, the housing index comes in at 13.8% 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 data for Temple shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Temple is equal to the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Temple is 6% lower than the national average
  • Temple housing is 14% lower 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 Temple

See all the best places to live around Temple

Compare Temple, 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$110,179$9,182$2,571$3,306
      Renters$49,789$4,149$1,162$1,494
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Temple, TX, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Temple, homeowners have a median income of $110,179. Using that number, a maximum of $2,571 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $49,789, which means there is a maximum of $1,162 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Rogers, TX1,4348416.4%
      Moody, TX1,5608515.1%
      Bruceville-Eddy, TX1,7369010.5%
      Troy, TX3,109928.0%
      Holland, TX1,614927.6%
      Temple, TX79,316945.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bloomington, IL79,438973.3%
      Airdrie, AB79,163n/a 
      Gastonia, NC79,485963.8%
      Upland, CA79,50515858.0%
      Cedar Park, TX79,54012121.5%
      Temple, TX79,316945.5%
      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.