Cost of Living in South Alamo, TX

Population 3,114 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

35
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

South Alamo's median household income of $33,516 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 (30% here). At 9.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, South Alamo sits roughly 10 miles southeast of McAllen. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than McAllen's $174,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 23
Rent 52

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

About the Cost of Living in South Alamo

The median home value in South Alamo is $69,700 — 77% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $683/month, 48% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $33,516/year is 55% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.3%, 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, South Alamo has a cost of living index of 35 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 65% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$69,700
77% below avg
Median Rent
$683/mo
48% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.5x
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 87.5%
Renter-occupied 12.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$683
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,297/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
26.5 min
2% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
91.5%
Carpooled
4.8%
Walked
0.3%
Work from home
3.4%

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
$33,516
55% below avg
Per Capita Income
$19,055
Unemployment Rate
9.3%
93% above avg
Poverty Rate
30.4%
Labor Force Participation
56.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 0.8%
Graduate degree 0.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.6
Male median age 34.5
Female median age 34.7

🌤 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 South Alamo, TX?

South Alamo has a cost index of 35 (100 = national average). It is 65% below the national average.

What is average rent in South Alamo, TX?

The median gross rent in South Alamo is $683 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Alamo?

The median home value in South Alamo is $69,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in South Alamo?

The median household income in South Alamo is $33,516 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Alamo, TX?

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

Is South Alamo, TX affordable?

Yes, South Alamo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 35 — about 65% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in South Alamo?

South Alamo 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.

South Alamo at a Glance

Population
3,114
Median Income
$33,516
Home Value
$69,700
Median Rent
$683/mo
Unemployment
9.3%
Avg High Temp
87.3°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
View all cities in Texas →
🗺️ County data for Texas

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs