F
145%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
475%
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 University Park Texas National
Cost of living24594100
Groceries10198100
Health care10298100
Housing57583100
Transportation10598100
Utilities107103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10598100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare10598100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in University Park, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in University Park 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 University Park is 245, which is 145% 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.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, University Park may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, University Park falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in University Park, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 474.6% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is University Park Affordable?

Is University Park 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 University Park, the median home price is 625.6% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 122.2% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in University Park come in at $366,538, which is 350.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in University Park?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In University Park, the housing index is 474.6% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In University Park, the groceries index is 0.7% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In University Park, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The University Park 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 University Park is 160% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in University Park is 145% higher than the national average
  • University Park housing is 475% 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 University Park

See all the best places to live around University Park

Compare University Park, 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$366,572$30,548$8,553$10,998
      Renters$87,890$7,324$2,051$2,637
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in University Park, TX, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In University Park, the median monthly income is $366,572 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $8,553 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $87,890, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,051 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      St. Paul CDP, TX6088019.8%
      St. Paul, TX1,4078019.7%
      Mesquite CDP, TX6478118.9%
      Horseshoe Bend, TX6418316.7%
      Hutchins, TX5,9628812.2%
      University Park, TX25,903245144.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      East Gwillimbury, ON25,899n/a 
      Tarpon Springs, FL25,9111088.3%
      Ossining, NY25,92413635.9%
      Kingsville, TX25,9329010.3%
      Champlin, MN25,86011211.6%
      University Park, TX25,903245144.5%
      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.