Cost of Living in Highland Park, TX

With a cost of living index of 258, Highland Park, TX is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 158% more expensive than the national average and 170% above the Texas state average of 88. Highland Park is a smaller community of 8,774 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Highland Park's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,216 (68% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $1,887,300 (519% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Highland Park is $250,001, which is 233% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 11% 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 Highland Park. The area sees an average annual temperature of 68°F, with summers averaging 86°F and winters around 50°F. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches spread over roughly 82 days. Hot summers are common, which can affect utility costs and lifestyle.

Everyday prices in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, 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.