Cost of Living in West University Place, TX

Population 14,907 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

368
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $1.4 million, the typical home in West University Place costs about 5× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.

Located 5 miles southwest of Houston, West University Place falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 455% higher than Houston's $253,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 461
Rent 228

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

About the Cost of Living in West University Place

The median home value in West University Place is $1,406,600 — 361% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,000/month, 128% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 79.8°F and lows of 62.5°F. Overall, West University Place has a cost of living index of 368 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 268% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,406,600
361% above avg
Median Rent
$3,000/mo
128% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
39.1x
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 93.5%
Renter-occupied 6.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,000
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,614/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
22.0 min
19% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.9%
Carpooled
7.4%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
22.4%

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
$250,001
235% above avg
Per Capita Income
$143,437
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
25% above avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
Labor Force Participation
61.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.6%
Graduate degree 56.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.3
Male median age 41
Female median age 41.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
79.8°F
Avg Low
62.5°F
Annual Precip
55.6"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 646873798691939489827366
Low °F 465056626975777773645448
Precip" 4.092.853.284.085.426.094.595.445.765.783.904.34

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 64 — Moderate
12.1%
Good air days/yr
205
Max AQI recorded
239
PM2.5 days
102
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West University Place, TX?

West University Place has a cost index of 368 (100 = national average). It is 268% above the national average.

What is average rent in West University Place, TX?

The median gross rent in West University Place is $3,000 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West University Place?

The median home value in West University Place is $1,406,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in West University Place?

The median household income in West University Place is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West University Place, TX?

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

Is West University Place, TX affordable?

West University Place is above average in cost of living, with an index of 368 — about 268% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in West University Place?

West University Place has average high temperatures of 79.8°F and average lows of 62.5°F. Annual precipitation is 55.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

West University Place at a Glance

Population
14,907
Median Income
$250,001
Home Value
$1,406,600
Median Rent
$3,000/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
79.8°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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