Cost of Living in West Lake Hills, TX

Population 3,315 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

431
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in West Lake Hills cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.6 million, roughly 5 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located <5 miles west of Austin, West Lake Hills falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 221% higher than Austin's $513,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 540
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in West Lake Hills

The median home value in West Lake Hills is $1,647,400 — 440% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $211,471/year is 184% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 80.5°F and lows of 59.4°F. Overall, West Lake Hills has a cost of living index of 431 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 331% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,647,400
440% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$129,610
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
39.2x
Favors renting
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 90.3%
Renter-occupied 9.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,501
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,115/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
38.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
51.5%
Carpooled
6.6%
Walked
1.4%
Work from home
38.6%

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
$211,471
184% above avg
Per Capita Income
$114,577
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
57% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Labor Force Participation
49.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.3%
Graduate degree 47.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.1
Male median age 51.1
Female median age 49.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
80.5°F
Avg Low
59.4°F
Annual Precip
36.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.2"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 636773808793979891837264
Low °F 424652596773757570615143
Precip" 2.641.892.882.425.043.681.962.743.453.912.922.72
Snow" 0.00.20.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 54 — Moderate
40.3%
Good air days/yr
122
Max AQI recorded
254
PM2.5 days
107
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Lake Hills, TX?

West Lake Hills has a cost index of 431 (100 = national average). It is 331% above the national average.

What is average rent in West Lake Hills, TX?

The median gross rent in West Lake Hills is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Lake Hills?

The median home value in West Lake Hills is $1,647,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in West Lake Hills?

The median household income in West Lake Hills is $211,471 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Lake Hills, TX?

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

Is West Lake Hills, TX affordable?

West Lake Hills is above average in cost of living, with an index of 431 — about 331% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in West Lake Hills?

West Lake Hills has average high temperatures of 80.5°F and average lows of 59.4°F. Annual precipitation is 36.2". Average annual snowfall is 0.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

West Lake Hills at a Glance

Population
3,315
Median Income
$211,471
Home Value
$1,647,400
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
2.1%
Avg High Temp
80.5°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