Cost of Living in Prairie View, TX

With a cost of living index of 74, Prairie View, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 26% cheaper than the national average and 13% below the Texas state average of 88. Prairie View is a smaller community of 8,220 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Prairie View's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $837 (37% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $171,900 (44% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 9x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Prairie View is $19,106, which is 75% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 53% of household income on rent. This is well above the 30% affordability threshold, indicating a significant housing cost burden for many residents. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Prairie View. The area sees an average annual temperature of 69.8°F, with summers averaging 84°F and winters around 55°F. Annual rainfall totals 50.8 inches spread over roughly 122 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.