Cost of Living in Big Spring, TX

Population 24,769 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

58
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Big Spring can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $139,000 against $70,532 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Big Spring is about 40 miles east of Midland, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Midland's $299,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 46
Rent 77

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

About the Cost of Living in Big Spring

The median home value in Big Spring is $138,800 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,009/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,532/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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 77.9°F and lows of 51.7°F, with about 2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Big Spring has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$138,800
54% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$138,938
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,009/mo
23% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,207/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.5x
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 63.1%
Renter-occupied 36.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,009
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,623/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
20.7 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.2%
Carpooled
18.3%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
3.9%

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
$70,532
5% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,746
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
30% above avg
Poverty Rate
18.4%
Labor Force Participation
52.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.5%
Graduate degree 4.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.5
Male median age 36.9
Female median age 35.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.9°F
Avg Low
51.7°F
Annual Precip
19.6"
Annual Snowfall
2"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 586371798794969588796758
Low °F 313542506068727264534133
Precip" 0.730.801.151.552.542.491.582.402.391.841.350.78
Snow" 0.30.70.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.30.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Big Spring, TX?

Big Spring has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.

What is average rent in Big Spring, TX?

The median gross rent in Big Spring is $1,009 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Big Spring?

The median home value in Big Spring is $138,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Big Spring?

The median household income in Big Spring is $70,532 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Big Spring, TX?

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

Is Big Spring, TX affordable?

Yes, Big Spring is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Big Spring?

Big Spring has average high temperatures of 77.9°F and average lows of 51.7°F. Annual precipitation is 19.6". Average annual snowfall is 2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Big Spring at a Glance

Population
24,769
Median Income
$70,532
Home Value
$138,800
Median Rent
$1,009/mo
Unemployment
6.3%
Avg High Temp
77.9°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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