Cost of Living in Princeton, TX
Population 20,966 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Princeton is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 36 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($311,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Princeton sits roughly 8 miles east of McKinney. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than McKinney's $440,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Princeton
The median home value in Princeton is $310,700 — 2% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,059/month, 57% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,766/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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 75.9°F and lows of 54.1°F. Overall, Princeton has a cost of living index of 124 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% 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 | 95 | 96 | 88 | 78 | 66 | 57 |
| Low °F | 34 | 38 | 46 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 66 | 54 | 44 | 36 |
| Precip" | 2.70 | 2.57 | 3.51 | 3.58 | 4.77 | 3.58 | 1.96 | 1.73 | 2.81 | 4.41 | 3.19 | 3.49 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Princeton, TX?
Princeton has a cost index of 124 (100 = national average). It is 24% above the national average.
What is average rent in Princeton, TX?
The median gross rent in Princeton is $2,059 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Princeton?
The median home value in Princeton is $310,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Princeton?
The median household income in Princeton is $96,766 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Princeton, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Princeton is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Princeton, TX affordable?
Princeton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 124 — about 24% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Princeton?
Princeton has average high temperatures of 75.9°F and average lows of 54.1°F. Annual precipitation is 38.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Princeton at a Glance
- Population
- 20,966
- Median Income
- $96,766
- Home Value
- $310,700
- Median Rent
- $2,059/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
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