Cost of Living in Sweetwater, TX
Population 10,484 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Sweetwater run well below national norms — a median of $45,720 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $84,000). Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Sweetwater is about 40 miles west of Abilene, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Abilene's $179,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sweetwater
The median home value in Sweetwater is $84,000 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $862/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,720/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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 77.5°F and lows of 49.9°F. Overall, Sweetwater has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% 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 | 59 | 63 | 71 | 79 | 86 | 92 | 95 | 94 | 88 | 78 | 67 | 59 |
| Low °F | 29 | 34 | 42 | 51 | 59 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 62 | 50 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 1.10 | 1.16 | 1.61 | 2.01 | 3.63 | 2.64 | 1.30 | 2.71 | 2.72 | 2.47 | 1.50 | 1.06 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sweetwater, TX?
Sweetwater has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sweetwater, TX?
The median gross rent in Sweetwater is $862 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sweetwater?
The median home value in Sweetwater is $84,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sweetwater?
The median household income in Sweetwater is $45,720 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sweetwater, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sweetwater is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Sweetwater, TX affordable?
Yes, Sweetwater is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Sweetwater?
Sweetwater has average high temperatures of 77.5°F and average lows of 49.9°F. Annual precipitation is 23.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sweetwater at a Glance
- Population
- 10,484
- Median Income
- $45,720
- Home Value
- $84,000
- Median Rent
- $862/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs