Cost of Living in Princeton, TX

With a cost of living index of 124, Princeton, TX is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 24% more expensive than the national average and 36% above the Texas state average of 88. Princeton is a smaller community of 20,966 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Princeton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,059 (56% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $310,700 (2% 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 Princeton is $96,766, which is 29% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Princeton. The area sees an average annual temperature of 65°F, with summers averaging 83°F and winters around 47°F. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches spread over roughly 90 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

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.