Cost of Living in Little Elm, TX
Population 51,426 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
A 38-minute average commute puts Little Elm squarely in exurban territory — the kind of place where many households optimize for housing cost over proximity to work. Home values of $390,000 reflect that spatial discount. 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.
Little Elm sits roughly 6 miles west of Frisco — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Frisco's $595,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Little Elm
The median home value in Little Elm is $390,300 — 28% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,900/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $116,036/year is 56% higher 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 76.0°F and lows of 52.9°F. Overall, Little Elm has a cost of living index of 135 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% more 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 | 56 | 60 | 68 | 75 | 83 | 91 | 96 | 96 | 88 | 78 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 32 | 36 | 45 | 51 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 73 | 64 | 53 | 42 | 34 |
| Precip" | 1.94 | 2.48 | 3.11 | 3.43 | 4.52 | 3.67 | 1.77 | 2.39 | 2.65 | 4.17 | 2.71 | 2.76 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Little Elm, TX?
Little Elm has a cost index of 135 (100 = national average). It is 35% above the national average.
What is average rent in Little Elm, TX?
The median gross rent in Little Elm is $1,900 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Little Elm?
The median home value in Little Elm is $390,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Little Elm?
The median household income in Little Elm is $116,036 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Little Elm, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Little Elm is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Little Elm, TX affordable?
Little Elm is above average in cost of living, with an index of 135 — about 35% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Little Elm?
Little Elm has average high temperatures of 76.0°F and average lows of 52.9°F. Annual precipitation is 35.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Little Elm at a Glance
- Population
- 51,426
- Median Income
- $116,036
- Home Value
- $390,300
- Median Rent
- $1,900/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
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