Cost of Living in Rio Grande City, TX
Population 15,258 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rio Grande City's median household income of $41,369 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (34% here). At 9.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Rio Grande City is about 35 miles west of McAllen, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than McAllen's $174,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rio Grande City
The median home value in Rio Grande City is $113,400 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $742/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,369/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.9%, 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 87.3°F and lows of 67.4°F. Overall, Rio Grande City has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% 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 | 73 | 77 | 83 | 88 | 93 | 97 | 99 | 100 | 94 | 89 | 80 | 74 |
| Low °F | 53 | 57 | 63 | 68 | 74 | 78 | 79 | 79 | 76 | 69 | 60 | 54 |
| Precip" | 0.77 | 0.72 | 1.38 | 1.43 | 2.03 | 3.05 | 2.03 | 1.81 | 4.61 | 2.10 | 1.17 | 1.06 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rio Grande City, TX?
Rio Grande City has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rio Grande City, TX?
The median gross rent in Rio Grande City is $742 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rio Grande City?
The median home value in Rio Grande City is $113,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rio Grande City?
The median household income in Rio Grande City is $41,369 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rio Grande City, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rio Grande City is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Rio Grande City, TX affordable?
Yes, Rio Grande City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rio Grande City?
Rio Grande City has average high temperatures of 87.3°F and average lows of 67.4°F. Annual precipitation is 22.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rio Grande City at a Glance
- Population
- 15,258
- Median Income
- $41,369
- Home Value
- $113,400
- Median Rent
- $742/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 87.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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