Cost of Living in Roma, TX

Population 11,543 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

34
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Roma run well below national norms — a median of $27,741 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $88,000). A poverty rate near 34% 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.

Geographically, Roma is about 50 miles west of McAllen, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than McAllen's $174,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 29
Rent 42

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

About the Cost of Living in Roma

The median home value in Roma is $87,700 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $552/month, 58% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $27,741/year is 63% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.2%, 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, Roma has a cost of living index of 34 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 66% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$87,700
71% below avg
Median Rent
$552/mo
58% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.2x
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 60.9%
Renter-occupied 39.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$552
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,166/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
30.0 min
11% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
60.2%
Carpooled
17.9%
Walked
4.8%
Work from home
15.5%

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
$27,741
63% below avg
Per Capita Income
$19,906
Unemployment Rate
13.2%
175% above avg
Poverty Rate
34.2%
Labor Force Participation
53.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.2%
Graduate degree 5.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 29.9
Male median age 29
Female median age 30.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
87.3°F
Avg Low
67.4°F
Annual Precip
22.2"
50° 63° 75° 88° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 7377838893979910094898074
Low °F 535763687478797976696054
Precip" 0.770.721.381.432.033.052.031.814.612.101.171.06

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Roma, TX?

Roma has a cost index of 34 (100 = national average). It is 66% below the national average.

What is average rent in Roma, TX?

The median gross rent in Roma is $552 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Roma?

The median home value in Roma is $87,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Roma?

The median household income in Roma is $27,741 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Roma, TX?

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

Is Roma, TX affordable?

Yes, Roma is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 34 — about 66% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Roma?

Roma 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.

Roma at a Glance

Population
11,543
Median Income
$27,741
Home Value
$87,700
Median Rent
$552/mo
Unemployment
13.2%
Avg High Temp
87.3°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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