Cost of Living in University Park, TX

With a cost of living index of 270, University Park, TX is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 170% more expensive than the national average and 182% above the Texas state average of 88. With a population of 25,104, University Park is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in University Park's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,940 (123% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $1,766,700 (479% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in University Park is $250,001, which is 233% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% 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 University 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.