Cost of Living in Bandera, TX

With a cost of living index of 75, Bandera, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 25% cheaper than the national average and 13% below the Texas state average of 88. Bandera is a small community of 599 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bandera's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,015 (23% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $132,500 (57% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.8x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bandera is $34,879, which is 54% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 35% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Everyday prices in the San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.