Cost of Living in Mercedes, TX
Population 16,449 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Mercedes run well below national norms — a median of $41,753 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $108,000). At 8.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Mercedes sits roughly 20 miles southeast of Edinburg — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Edinburg's $175,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mercedes
The median home value in Mercedes is $107,700 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $676/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,753/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, 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 85.6°F and lows of 64.3°F. Overall, Mercedes has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% 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 Mercedes, TX?
Mercedes has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.
What is average rent in Mercedes, TX?
The median gross rent in Mercedes is $676 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mercedes?
The median home value in Mercedes is $107,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mercedes?
The median household income in Mercedes is $41,753 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mercedes, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mercedes is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Mercedes, TX affordable?
Yes, Mercedes is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Mercedes?
Mercedes 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.
Mercedes at a Glance
- Population
- 16,449
- Median Income
- $41,753
- Home Value
- $107,700
- Median Rent
- $676/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 85.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs