Cost of Living in Rio Bravo, TX

Population 4,502 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

36
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Rio Bravo run well below national norms — a median of $46,964 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $78,000). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 14 miles south of Laredo, Rio Bravo falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than Laredo's $182,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 26
Rent 52

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

About the Cost of Living in Rio Bravo

The median home value in Rio Bravo is $78,200 — 74% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $681/month, 48% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,964/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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 85.9°F and lows of 63.3°F. Overall, Rio Bravo has a cost of living index of 36 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 64% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$78,200
74% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$121,991
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$681/mo
48% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.6x
Favors buying
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 76.4%
Renter-occupied 23.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$681
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,295/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
41.1 min
52% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
0.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.7%
Carpooled
10.4%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
0.9%
Work from home
0.8%

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
$46,964
37% below avg
Per Capita Income
$14,566
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
55% below avg
Poverty Rate
31.1%
Labor Force Participation
54.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 3.9%
Graduate degree 0.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 23.2
Male median age 27.3
Female median age 22.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
85.9°F
Avg Low
63.3°F
Annual Precip
21.4"
40° 58° 75° 93° 110° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 68748188939910010194877769
Low °F 475158647175767772655648
Precip" 0.900.831.601.472.762.502.111.683.641.751.041.07

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
62.2%
Good air days/yr
133
Max AQI recorded
199
PM2.5 days
161
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rio Bravo, TX?

Rio Bravo has a cost index of 36 (100 = national average). It is 64% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rio Bravo, TX?

The median gross rent in Rio Bravo is $681 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rio Bravo?

The median home value in Rio Bravo is $78,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rio Bravo?

The median household income in Rio Bravo is $46,964 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rio Bravo, TX?

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

Is Rio Bravo, TX affordable?

Yes, Rio Bravo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 36 — about 64% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Rio Bravo?

Rio Bravo has average high temperatures of 85.9°F and average lows of 63.3°F. Annual precipitation is 21.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rio Bravo at a Glance

Population
4,502
Median Income
$46,964
Home Value
$78,200
Median Rent
$681/mo
Unemployment
2.1%
Avg High Temp
85.9°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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