Cost of Living in Plainview, TX
Population 19,893 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Plainview run well below national norms — a median of $45,991 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $108,000). A poverty rate near 23% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Plainview is about 45 miles north of Lubbock, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Lubbock's $198,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Plainview
The median home value in Plainview is $107,800 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $811/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,991/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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 74.9°F and lows of 47.8°F, with about 7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Plainview has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% 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 | 55 | 60 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 92 | 93 | 92 | 85 | 76 | 64 | 55 |
| Low °F | 27 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 57 | 66 | 69 | 68 | 60 | 48 | 36 | 28 |
| Precip" | 0.65 | 0.65 | 1.10 | 1.33 | 2.69 | 2.58 | 1.96 | 1.74 | 2.55 | 1.53 | 0.80 | 0.75 |
| Snow" | 1.6 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 2.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Plainview, TX?
Plainview has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Plainview, TX?
The median gross rent in Plainview is $811 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Plainview?
The median home value in Plainview is $107,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Plainview?
The median household income in Plainview is $45,991 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Plainview, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Plainview is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Plainview, TX affordable?
Yes, Plainview is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Plainview?
Plainview has average high temperatures of 74.9°F and average lows of 47.8°F. Annual precipitation is 18.3". Average annual snowfall is 7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Plainview at a Glance
- Population
- 19,893
- Median Income
- $45,991
- Home Value
- $107,800
- Median Rent
- $811/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
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