A+
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
34%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Wichita Falls Texas National
Cost of living8592100
Goods & Services9096100
Groceries9596100
Health care9794100
Housing6683100
Transportation9492100
Utilities98104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Wichita Falls, TX

Understanding the cost of living in Wichita Falls can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Wichita Falls cost of living index is 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Wichita Falls?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in Wichita Falls 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? 80% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 20% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Wichita Falls Affordable?

Is Wichita Falls an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Wichita Falls is 43.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 12.8% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Wichita Falls has a median household income of $47,335, which is 14.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wichita Falls?

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 Wichita Falls, the utilities index registers at 2.1% 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: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Wichita Falls, the transportation index stands at 6.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Wichita Falls displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Wichita Falls is 8% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Wichita Falls is 15% lower than the national average
  • Wichita Falls housing is 34% 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 Wichita Falls

See all the best places to live around Wichita Falls

Compare Wichita Falls, TX Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$65,289$5,441$1,523$1,959
      Renters$33,880$2,823$790$1,017
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Wichita Falls, 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 Wichita Falls, homeowners have a median income of $65,289. Using that number, a maximum of $1,523 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $33,880, which means there is a maximum of $790 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Wichita Falls National avg. Difference
      Haircut $18.44$24.2624.0%
      Beauty Salon $40.04$45.5612.1%
      Toothpaste $3.53$3.704.6%
      Shampoo $1.24$1.283.3%
      Movie $11.19$12.137.7%
      Bowling $16.67$18.007.4%

      Groceries

      Item Wichita Falls National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.10$5.844.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.6%
      Milk $4.54$4.672.8%
      Potatoes $4.93$4.930.1%
      Pizza $12.10$12.090.1%
      Beer $9.83$10.415.6%

      Health Care

      Item Wichita Falls National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $119.30$125.685.1%
      Doctor $100.35$135.7826.1%
      Dentist $102.46$113.299.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.38$10.652.6%
      Lipitor $511.35$468.609.1%

      Housing

      Item Wichita Falls National avg. Difference
      Home Price $104,800.00$184,700.0043.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,086.56$2,346.6911.1%
      Apartment Rent $828.00$949.0012.8%

      Transportation

      Item Wichita Falls National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.10$3.4610.5%
      Tire Balancing $62.19$59.923.8%

      Utilities

      Item Wichita Falls National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $182.99$193.995.7%
      Phone $193.02$192.250.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Burkburnett, TX11,2418415.9%
      Holliday, TX1,6738515.4%
      Iowa Park, TX6,3708514.9%
      Cashion Community, TX2458712.7%
      Dean, TX4618812.0%
      Wichita Falls, TX104,6578515.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Norwalk, CA104,52414949.2%
      Green Bay, WI104,508919.0%
      Clarington, ON104,855n/a 
      San Tan Valley, AZ104,93611717.1%
      Brantford, ON105,103n/a 
      Wichita Falls, TX104,6578515.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.