Cost of Living in Crystal City, TX

Population 6,241 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

31
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Crystal City run well below national norms — a median of $38,598 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $87,000). Around 41% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Crystal City lies roughly 80 miles north of the nearest major metro, Laredo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Laredo's $182,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 34

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

About the Cost of Living in Crystal City

The median home value in Crystal City is $86,500 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $445/month, 66% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,598/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 85.1°F and lows of 60.9°F. Overall, Crystal City has a cost of living index of 31 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 69% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$86,500
72% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$503,695
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$445/mo
66% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.2x
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 65.7%
Renter-occupied 34.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$445
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,059/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
20.1 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
89.6%
Carpooled
5.0%
Walked
1.9%
Work from home
3.5%

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
$38,598
48% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,170
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
41% above avg
Poverty Rate
41.1%
Labor Force Participation
53.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.1%
Graduate degree 1.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.6
Male median age 33.6
Female median age 33.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
85.1°F
Avg Low
60.9°F
Annual Precip
21.7"
40° 58° 75° 93° 110° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 6774808693989910094877669
Low °F 444855616974757571635245
Precip" 0.851.261.571.333.012.202.261.672.982.391.151.01

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Crystal City, TX?

Crystal City has a cost index of 31 (100 = national average). It is 69% below the national average.

What is average rent in Crystal City, TX?

The median gross rent in Crystal City is $445 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Crystal City?

The median home value in Crystal City is $86,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Crystal City?

The median household income in Crystal City is $38,598 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Crystal City, TX?

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

Is Crystal City, TX affordable?

Yes, Crystal City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 31 — about 69% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Crystal City?

Crystal City has average high temperatures of 85.1°F and average lows of 60.9°F. Annual precipitation is 21.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Crystal City at a Glance

Population
6,241
Median Income
$38,598
Home Value
$86,500
Median Rent
$445/mo
Unemployment
6.8%
Avg High Temp
85.1°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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