Cost of Living in Zapata, TX

With a cost of living index of 56, Zapata, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 44% cheaper than the national average and 31% below the Texas state average of 88. Zapata is a small community of 4,879 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Zapata's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $482 (63% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $104,300 (66% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Zapata is $37,653, which is 50% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.