Cost of Living in Galveston, TX
Population 53,348 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Galveston's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $57,216 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 25 miles southeast of League City, Galveston falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than League City's $334,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Galveston
The median home value in Galveston is $294,300 — 4% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,278/month, 3% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,216/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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 78.8°F and lows of 65.8°F. Overall, Galveston has a cost of living index of 97 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% 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 | 63 | 66 | 72 | 78 | 84 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 89 | 82 | 72 | 66 |
| Low °F | 49 | 52 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 78 | 80 | 80 | 76 | 69 | 59 | 52 |
| Precip" | 4.30 | 2.14 | 3.02 | 2.06 | 3.04 | 4.23 | 3.41 | 4.71 | 6.65 | 5.15 | 4.28 | 4.23 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Galveston, TX?
Galveston has a cost index of 97 (100 = national average). It is 3% below the national average.
What is average rent in Galveston, TX?
The median gross rent in Galveston is $1,278 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Galveston?
The median home value in Galveston is $294,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Galveston?
The median household income in Galveston is $57,216 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Galveston, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Galveston is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Galveston, TX affordable?
Galveston is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 97 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Galveston?
Galveston has average high temperatures of 78.8°F and average lows of 65.8°F. Annual precipitation is 47.2". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Galveston at a Glance
- Population
- 53,348
- Median Income
- $57,216
- Home Value
- $294,300
- Median Rent
- $1,278/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 78.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Texas Rankings
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