Cost of Living in Horseshoe Bay, TX

Population 4,534 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

144
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

With a median age of 65, Horseshoe Bay functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $489,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons.

Horseshoe Bay is about 40 miles west of Austin, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Austin's $513,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 160
Rent 120

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

About the Cost of Living in Horseshoe Bay

The median home value in Horseshoe Bay is $489,100 — 60% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,575/month, 20% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,024/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 78.5°F and lows of 56.5°F. Overall, Horseshoe Bay has a cost of living index of 144 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$489,100
60% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$300,211
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,575/mo
20% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.9x
Favors renting
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 83.8%
Renter-occupied 16.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,575
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,189/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
25.6 min
5% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.9%
Carpooled
8.2%
Work from home
22.4%

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
$105,024
41% above avg
Per Capita Income
$87,969
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
35% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Labor Force Participation
42.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 39.6%
Graduate degree 14.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 64.6
Male median age 64.7
Female median age 64.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
78.5°F
Avg Low
56.5°F
Annual Precip
28.4"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 616472798592959689806961
Low °F 384249566471737368584740
Precip" 1.651.632.662.123.672.851.791.762.893.182.251.93

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Horseshoe Bay, TX?

Horseshoe Bay has a cost index of 144 (100 = national average). It is 44% above the national average.

What is average rent in Horseshoe Bay, TX?

The median gross rent in Horseshoe Bay is $1,575 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Horseshoe Bay?

The median home value in Horseshoe Bay is $489,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Horseshoe Bay?

The median household income in Horseshoe Bay is $105,024 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Horseshoe Bay, TX?

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

Is Horseshoe Bay, TX affordable?

Horseshoe Bay is above average in cost of living, with an index of 144 — about 44% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Horseshoe Bay?

Horseshoe Bay has average high temperatures of 78.5°F and average lows of 56.5°F. Annual precipitation is 28.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Horseshoe Bay at a Glance

Population
4,534
Median Income
$105,024
Home Value
$489,100
Median Rent
$1,575/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
78.5°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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