Cost of Living in Galveston, TX

With a cost of living index of 98, Galveston, TX is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 2% cheaper than the national average and 10% above the Texas state average of 88. With a population of 53,348, Galveston 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 Galveston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,278 (3% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $294,300 (3% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.1x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Galveston is $57,216, which is 24% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Galveston. The area sees an average annual temperature of 72.3°F, with summers averaging 85°F and winters around 58°F. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches spread over roughly 95 days.

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.