Cost of Living in Alpine, TX

Population 6,003 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

68
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Alpine a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $208,000.

Alpine lies roughly 130 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Odessa — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Odessa's $208,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 68
Rent 69

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Alpine

The median home value in Alpine is $207,700 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $901/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,503/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 79.3°F and lows of 53.9°F. Overall, Alpine has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$207,700
32% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$166,957
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$901/mo
31% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 61.8%
Renter-occupied 38.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$901
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,515/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
16.4 min
39% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.5%
Carpooled
14.0%
Walked
3.3%
Work from home
6.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$54,503
27% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,893
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
35% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Labor Force Participation
63.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.4%
Graduate degree 16.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44
Male median age 46.7
Female median age 39.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
79.3°F
Avg Low
53.9°F
Annual Precip
12.8"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 616674828995949487806962
Low °F 364046536269717064554437
Precip" 0.640.440.590.621.651.761.691.451.721.030.580.59

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 43 — Good
73%
Good air days/yr
101
Max AQI recorded
131
PM2.5 days
228
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Alpine, TX?

Alpine has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Alpine, TX?

The median gross rent in Alpine is $901 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Alpine?

The median home value in Alpine is $207,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Alpine?

The median household income in Alpine is $54,503 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Alpine, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Alpine is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Alpine, TX affordable?

Yes, Alpine is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Alpine?

Alpine has average high temperatures of 79.3°F and average lows of 53.9°F. Annual precipitation is 12.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Alpine at a Glance

Population
6,003
Median Income
$54,503
Home Value
$207,700
Median Rent
$901/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
79.3°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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