Is College Station expensive to live in?

College Station is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 104 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 4% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,755, and the median household income is $51,776.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in College Station?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $70,200/year to afford median rent in College Station. The median household income is $51,776, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 41%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in College Station?

The median rent in College Station is $1,755 per month. Housing costs score 109 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 9% more expensive than the US average.

How does College Station compare to the national average cost of living?

College Station's overall cost index is 104 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (109), food & groceries (102), transportation (99), utilities (96), and healthcare (107). College Station is above average in most categories.

Is College Station, Texas a good place to live?

College Station has a population of 125,192 and a median household income of $51,776. With a cost index of 104, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 41%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near College Station?

To find the most affordable cities near College Station in Texas, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Texas state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

Home/Texas/College Station

Texas

College Station

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

Compare city

Cost index: 104

Median rent: $1,755

Median income: $51,776

Cost Index

0/ 100 avg

Population

Median Income

Median Rent

$0/mo

12mo Trend

About College Station

Living in College Station, Texas

College Station, Texas is a growing city with a population of approximately 125,192. The overall cost of living index sits at 104, which is near the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 4% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in College Station. Median rent is $1,755 per month, while the median home price is $343,155. At a median household income of $51,776, rent consumes roughly 41% of gross income, which places a heavy burden on household budgets. The housing sub-index of 109 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in College Station with a sub-index of 107, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 96. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Texas applies a 0.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 1.60% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.19%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in College Station has remained relatively stable. Among the 40 tracked cities in Texas, College Station ranks #31 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in College Station actually costs.

City Intelligence Overview