Hico, TX vs Van Alstyne, TX

The cost of living difference between Hico, TX and Van Alstyne, TX is dramatic. Hico is 30% cheaper than Van Alstyne, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hico has a cost index of 64 while Van Alstyne sits at 91, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Hico is $725/month compared to $1,141/month in Van Alstyne — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hico is more affordable at $122,600 median vs $297,400.

Median household income in Hico is $52,250 compared to $93,373 in Van Alstyne (-44%). While Van Alstyne is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hico spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 14.7% in Van Alstyne.