Cost of Living in The Hills, TX

With a cost of living index of 204, The Hills, TX is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 104% more expensive than the national average and 117% above the Texas state average of 88. The Hills is a small community of 2,579 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in The Hills's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $3,501 (165% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $778,100 (155% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in The Hills is $178,194, which is 137% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 The Hills. The area sees an average annual temperature of 70°F, with summers averaging 85°F and winters around 54°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches spread over roughly 86 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, 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.