Amherst, TX vs Refugio, TX

Amherst, TX and Refugio, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Amherst scores 66 while Refugio scores 63 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Amherst is $969/month compared to $748/month in Refugio — a 30% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Refugio has cheaper rent, Amherst actually has lower median home values ($36,300 vs $85,000).

Median household income in Amherst is $54,583 compared to $56,193 in Refugio (-2.9%). Refugio offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Amherst spend roughly 21.3% of their income on rent, more than the 16% in Refugio.