A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
32%
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 Wichita Falls Texas National
Cost of living8994100
Groceries9998100
Health care9898100
Housing6883100
Transportation9498100
Utilities107103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9598100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare9398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Wichita Falls, TX

The cost of living in Wichita Falls affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Wichita Falls is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 7 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Wichita Falls. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 57% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 43% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Wichita Falls Affordable?

Wondering if Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls, for example, the median home price is 41% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12.4% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Wichita Falls boasting a median household income of $69,932, which is 14% lower than the national average.

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

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 Wichita Falls, the utilities index is 6.9% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Wichita Falls, healthcare costs are 2.1% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Wichita Falls, the general sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates begin at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The Wichita Falls cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Wichita Falls is 6% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Wichita Falls is 11% lower than the national average
  • Wichita Falls housing is 32% 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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      Price difference in compared to
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$96,160$8,013$2,244$2,885
      Renters$51,387$4,282$1,199$1,542
      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 $96,160. Using that number, a maximum of $2,244 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $51,387, which means there is a maximum of $1,199 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.
      Burkburnett, TX11,6448712.5%
      Holliday, TX1,7318811.7%
      Iowa Park, TX6,5688911.4%
      Cashion Community, TX253918.9%
      Dean, TX473928.4%
      Wichita Falls, TX107,9438911.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Red Deer, AB107,873n/a 
      Columbia, MD107,79813837.9%
      Norwalk, CA107,72515252.3%
      League City, TX107,57111312.7%
      Allen, TX107,54212221.7%
      Wichita Falls, TX107,9438911.2%
      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.