Cost of Living in Bay City, TX
Population 17,816 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Bay City a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $150,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Bay City is about 45 miles southwest of Sugar Land, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 63% lower than Sugar Land's $407,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bay City
The median home value in Bay City is $149,800 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $997/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,898/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.8%, 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 80.1°F and lows of 63.5°F. Overall, Bay City has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 65 | 68 | 73 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 90 | 84 | 74 | 68 |
| Low °F | 46 | 50 | 57 | 63 | 71 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 73 | 64 | 55 | 48 |
| Precip" | 3.25 | 1.89 | 2.71 | 2.67 | 3.86 | 4.55 | 3.67 | 3.91 | 5.88 | 4.33 | 3.39 | 2.98 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bay City, TX?
Bay City has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bay City, TX?
The median gross rent in Bay City is $997 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bay City?
The median home value in Bay City is $149,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bay City?
The median household income in Bay City is $51,898 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bay City, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bay City is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Bay City, TX affordable?
Yes, Bay City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bay City?
Bay City has average high temperatures of 80.1°F and average lows of 63.5°F. Annual precipitation is 43.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bay City at a Glance
- Population
- 17,816
- Median Income
- $51,898
- Home Value
- $149,800
- Median Rent
- $997/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 80.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Texas Rankings
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