Cost of Living in San Benito, TX

Population 24,677 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

44
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

San Benito's median household income of $41,445 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 (28% here).

San Benito sits roughly 15 miles northwest of Brownsville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Brownsville's $122,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 28
Rent 67

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

About the Cost of Living in San Benito

The median home value in San Benito is $85,100 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $885/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,445/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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 85.6°F and lows of 64.3°F. Overall, San Benito has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$85,100
72% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$162,586
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$885/mo
33% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.0x
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 68.3%
Renter-occupied 31.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$885
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,499/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
21.6 min
20% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.6%
Carpooled
12.4%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
9.7%

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
$41,445
44% below avg
Per Capita Income
$19,058
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
13% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.0%
Labor Force Participation
51.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.9%
Graduate degree 4.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.3
Male median age 30.6
Female median age 35.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
85.6°F
Avg Low
64.3°F
Annual Precip
24"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 727681879195969792887973
Low °F 505459657175757573665752
Precip" 1.050.731.311.462.502.261.761.925.312.711.811.22

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 54 — Moderate
44.1%
Good air days/yr
141
Max AQI recorded
262
PM2.5 days
103
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in San Benito, TX?

San Benito has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.

What is average rent in San Benito, TX?

The median gross rent in San Benito is $885 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in San Benito?

The median home value in San Benito is $85,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in San Benito?

The median household income in San Benito is $41,445 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in San Benito, TX?

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

Is San Benito, TX affordable?

Yes, San Benito is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in San Benito?

San Benito has average high temperatures of 85.6°F and average lows of 64.3°F. Annual precipitation is 24". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

San Benito at a Glance

Population
24,677
Median Income
$41,445
Home Value
$85,100
Median Rent
$885/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Avg High Temp
85.6°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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