Cost of Living in South Padre Island, TX

With a cost of living index of 114, South Padre Island, TX is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 14% more expensive than the national average and 26% above the Texas state average of 88. South Padre Island is a small community of 2,852 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in South Padre Island's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,421 (8% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $498,800 (64% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in South Padre Island is $61,578, which is 18% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% 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 South Padre Island. The area sees an average annual temperature of 74.8°F, with summers averaging 85°F and winters around 63°F. Annual rainfall totals 23.3 inches spread over roughly 73 days.

Everyday prices in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower 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.