A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Universal City Texas National
Cost of living9994100
Groceries9898100
Health care9898100
Housing9983100
Transportation9798100
Utilities101103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10298100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Universal City, TX

Knowing the cost of living in Universal City allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Universal City stands at 99, marking it 1% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Universal City is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Universal City Affordable?

Is Universal City 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 Universal City, the median home price is 3.5% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 3.8% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Universal City come in at $95,126, which is 17% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Universal City?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Universal City, healthcare costs are 2.5% 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.

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 Universal City, the utilities index registers at 0.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Universal City 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 Universal City is 5% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Universal City is 1% lower than the national average
  • Universal City housing is 1% 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 Universal City

See all the best places to live around Universal City

Compare Universal City, 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$121,771$10,148$2,841$3,653
      Renters$68,573$5,714$1,600$2,057
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Universal City, 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 Universal City, homeowners have a median income of $121,771. Using that number, a maximum of $2,841 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $68,573, which means there is a maximum of $1,600 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.
      Marion, TX9198911.2%
      Kirby, TX8,908945.6%
      Balcones Heights, TX3,252981.6%
      Lake Dunlap, TX1,592964.5%
      San Antonio, TX1,573,2371000.3%
      Universal City, TX21,174991.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lockport, NY21,177954.8%
      North Salt Lake, UT21,17812222.2%
      Merrick, NY21,16916160.8%
      Grayslake, IL21,1871088.1%
      Esquimalt, BC21,191n/a 
      Universal City, TX21,174991.4%
      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.