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Cost of living in College Station, TX

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One can’t separate College Station, TX from Texas A&M University, a well-respected university that has the biggest student body in the country.

But it’s also home to an exciting downtown area, 55 public parks, a high-tech research area called the Research Valley Biocorridor, and various public museums.

In short, it’s the perfect home for families who value a good education – and a good time.

With so many things going for it, you’ve probably wondered about the cost of living College Station, TX. If so, here’s the answer to your question:

Average salary

One great reason to live in College Station, TX is that you can expect to receive a slightly higher salary than elsewhere in the state. According to Payscale.com, residents of the city typically earn about $54,000 versus the state’s $52,000 statewide average. This extra income gives you more money for daily expenses, as certain living costs in College Station might be higher than the rest of Texas.

Everyday expenses

AreaVibes.com and Sperling’s Cost of Living Index rate the affordability of areas by benchmarking them against a score of 100. A score above 100 means a higher cost of living than the national average, while a score below 100 means greater affordability.

Data from Sperling’s Cost of Living Index show that College Station, TX has an affordability score of 95.9, which is appreciably lower than the national average (100) and the statewide average (101.8). Likewise, it is much lower compared to major metropolises in Texas, such as Austin Metro (122.1), Dallas/Fort Worth Metro (113.4), and Houston Metro (109.1).

Using data from AreaVibes.com, we collated a breakdown of common expenses in College Station, TX, and compared them to the state and national averages:

  • HOUSING COSTS
    College Station: 106.2 | Texas: 84.3 | Nationwide: 100

    The average cost of a home in Brazos County where College Station is located is about $250,000. This is markedly higher than both the Texas and national averages. Note, however, that the city’s proximity to Texas A&M University accounts for the higher home costs. Median home prices have also increased by almost $50,000 between 2014 and 2017, indicating robust property valuation for real estate investments.

    Indicative cost:
    Average mortgage payment – $926

  • GROCERIES
    College Station: 90 | Texas: 90 | Nationwide: 100

    Grocery bills are a major component of a family’s budget. Luckily, grocery costs are up to 10% lower both in College Station and the State of Texas. One reason for the lower food costs is that the city has four farm-to-market roads. The city is home to several chain and family-owned grocery stores, making grocery runs not just more affordable but convenient, too.

    Indicative cost:
    Pizza – $8.99

  • SERVICES
    College Station: 95 | Texas: 95 | Nationwide: 100

    The cost of goods and services is tied for College Station and Texas, but it’s 5% lower compared to the national average. The area’s ideal location gives residents easy access to places like beauty salons, car shops, and daycare centers.

    Indicative cost:
    Haircut – $20

  • HEALTHCARE
    College Station: 107 | Texas: 97 | Nationwide: 100

    Healthcare is slightly more expensive in College Station, but it is served by five top-notch hospitals. The city’s flagship hospital is the eponymous College Station Medical Center, which also serves as a teaching hospital. The Physicians Centre Hospital, Scott & White Hospital, St. Joseph Regional Health Center, and St. Joseph Emergency Center.

    Indicative cost:
    Doctor’s visit – $125

  • TRANSPORTATION
    College Station: 91 | Texas: 94 | Nationwide: 100

    College Station has a solid public transport system. The Brazos Transit District provides public buses that service the College Station and Bryan City areas. Likewise, the Texas A&M Transportation Services operates buses that cater to students of the university. It’s also served by six state highways, making it easy to get around the city as well as reach nearby areas such as Houston.

  • Indicative cost:
    Gas – $2.34 per gallon

  • UTILITIES
    College Station: 96 | Texas: 102 | Nationwide: 100

    Another area where College Station is more affordable is utilities. Electric, water, and gas bills are appreciably lower, which helps keep household expenses down. College Station Utilities serves the city’s residential electric needs, while all major phone carriers are available in the area.

    Indicative cost:
    Monthly electric bill – $154

Few cities can top College Station, TX when it comes to value for money. From a thriving downtown area, to excellent schools, to the relatively affordable cost of living, a home here is a wise investment indeed.

Are you looking to move to College Station? Let Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Caliber Realty find your dream home. Call us at 979.694.8844 or send an email to sales(at)bhhscaliber(dotted)com.

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