Cost of Living in Friendswood, TX

With a cost of living index of 119, Friendswood, TX is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 19% more expensive than the national average and 32% above the Texas state average of 88. With a population of 40,827, Friendswood is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Friendswood's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,698 (29% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $399,500 (31% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Friendswood is $125,052, which is 66% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Friendswood. The area sees an average annual temperature of 71.3°F, with summers averaging 84°F and winters around 57°F. Annual rainfall totals 53.3 inches spread over roughly 119 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher 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.