Cost of Living in Harlingen, TX
Population 71,669 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Harlingen's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $55,891 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Around 25% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 20 miles northwest of Brownsville, Harlingen falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Brownsville's $122,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Harlingen
The median home value in Harlingen is $125,700 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $893/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,891/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, 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 85.6°F and lows of 64.3°F. Overall, Harlingen has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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 | 72 | 76 | 81 | 87 | 91 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 92 | 88 | 79 | 73 |
| Low °F | 50 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 71 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 66 | 57 | 52 |
| Precip" | 1.05 | 0.73 | 1.31 | 1.46 | 2.50 | 2.26 | 1.76 | 1.92 | 5.31 | 2.71 | 1.81 | 1.22 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Harlingen, TX?
Harlingen has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Harlingen, TX?
The median gross rent in Harlingen is $893 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Harlingen?
The median home value in Harlingen is $125,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Harlingen?
The median household income in Harlingen is $55,891 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Harlingen, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Harlingen is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Harlingen, TX affordable?
Yes, Harlingen is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Harlingen?
Harlingen has average high temperatures of 85.6°F and average lows of 64.3°F. Annual precipitation is 24". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Harlingen at a Glance
- Population
- 71,669
- Median Income
- $55,891
- Home Value
- $125,700
- Median Rent
- $893/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 85.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
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