Arcola, TX vs Hempstead, TX

Arcola, TX and Hempstead, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Arcola scores 84 while Hempstead scores 86 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 Arcola is $1,117/month compared to $1,282/month in Hempstead — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Arcola has cheaper rent, Hempstead actually has lower median home values ($145,700 vs $182,700).

Median household income in Arcola is $73,778 compared to $58,288 in Hempstead (+26.6%). Arcola offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Arcola spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 26.4% in Hempstead.