Cost of Living in San Carlos, TX

Population 4,209 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

37
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $40,786, median household incomes in San Carlos land roughly 45% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 21% 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.

Located 6 miles east of Edinburg, San Carlos falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than Edinburg's $175,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 25
Rent 54

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

About the Cost of Living in San Carlos

The median home value in San Carlos is $76,600 — 75% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $710/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,786/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 17.4%, 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 87.3°F and lows of 67.4°F. Overall, San Carlos has a cost of living index of 37 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 63% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$76,600
75% below avg
Median Rent
$710/mo
46% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.0x
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 74.8%
Renter-occupied 25.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$710
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,324/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
21.4 min
21% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
21.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.2%
Carpooled
6.1%
Work from home
21.5%

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
$40,786
45% below avg
Per Capita Income
$16,064
Unemployment Rate
17.4%
261% above avg
Poverty Rate
21.0%
Labor Force Participation
52.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.7%
Graduate degree 1.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 30.8
Male median age 30.9
Female median age 30.3

🌤 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

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
57.7%
Good air days/yr
95
Max AQI recorded
338
PM2.5 days
19
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

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

San Carlos has a cost index of 37 (100 = national average). It is 63% below the national average.

What is average rent in San Carlos, TX?

The median gross rent in San Carlos is $710 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in San Carlos?

The median home value in San Carlos is $76,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in San Carlos?

The median household income in San Carlos is $40,786 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in San Carlos, TX?

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

Is San Carlos, TX affordable?

Yes, San Carlos is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 37 — about 63% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in San Carlos?

San Carlos 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.

San Carlos at a Glance

Population
4,209
Median Income
$40,786
Home Value
$76,600
Median Rent
$710/mo
Unemployment
17.4%
Avg High Temp
87.3°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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🗺️ County data for Texas

Explore county-level cost of living data

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