Cost of Living in Balch Springs, TX

Population 27,181 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

79
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Balch Springs offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $208,000 — costs less than 3 times median household income of $70,528, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 10 miles southeast of Dallas, Balch Springs falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Dallas' $295,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 68
Rent 96

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

About the Cost of Living in Balch Springs

The median home value in Balch Springs is $208,200 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,260/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,528/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 77.1°F and lows of 56.8°F. Overall, Balch Springs has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$208,200
32% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$221,315
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,260/mo
4% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,902/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.8x
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 63.9%
Renter-occupied 36.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,260
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,874/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
40.1 min
49% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.8%
Carpooled
17.0%
Public transit
1.2%
Walked
0.1%
Work from home
8.5%

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
$70,528
5% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,201
Unemployment Rate
8.3%
73% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
Labor Force Participation
66.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.1%
Graduate degree 3.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.8
Male median age 30.9
Female median age 37.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.1°F
Avg Low
56.8°F
Annual Precip
37.7"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576269768491969689796759
Low °F 384148556472757568584739
Precip" 2.552.573.573.704.343.871.911.802.954.542.783.08

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 55 — Moderate
33.4%
Good air days/yr
172
Max AQI recorded
233
PM2.5 days
124
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Balch Springs, TX?

Balch Springs has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.

What is average rent in Balch Springs, TX?

The median gross rent in Balch Springs is $1,260 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Balch Springs?

The median home value in Balch Springs is $208,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Balch Springs?

The median household income in Balch Springs is $70,528 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Balch Springs, TX?

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

Is Balch Springs, TX affordable?

Yes, Balch Springs is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Balch Springs?

Balch Springs has average high temperatures of 77.1°F and average lows of 56.8°F. Annual precipitation is 37.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Balch Springs at a Glance

Population
27,181
Median Income
$70,528
Home Value
$208,200
Median Rent
$1,260/mo
Unemployment
8.3%
Avg High Temp
77.1°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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