A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
32%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Bay City Texas National
Cost of living9092100
Goods & Services10196100
Groceries10096100
Health care9494100
Housing6883100
Transportation9092100
Utilities103104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Bay City, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Bay City? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Bay City stands at 90, making it 10% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Is Bay City Affordable?

Is Bay City an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Bay City is 42.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 7.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Bay City has a median household income of $45,089, which is 18.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bay City?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Bay City, the utilities index stands at 2.7% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Bay City, the groceries index is 0% equal to the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Bay City, the transportation index is 9.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bay City cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bay City is 3% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Bay City is 10% lower than the national average
  • Bay City housing is 32% lower than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Bay City

See all the best places to live around Bay City

Compare Bay City, TX Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$60,341$5,028$1,408$1,810
      Renters$31,250$2,604$729$938
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Bay City, TX, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Bay City have a median income of $60,341. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,408 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $31,250, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $729.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item Bay City National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.33$24.2616.2%
      Beauty Salon $47.38$45.564.0%
      Toothpaste $3.48$3.706.1%
      Shampoo $1.22$1.285.0%
      Movie $12.19$12.130.4%
      Bowling $15.83$18.0012.0%

      Groceries

      Item Bay City National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.25$5.8410.1%
      Fried Chicken $1.61$1.572.4%
      Milk $4.55$4.672.5%
      Potatoes $5.00$4.931.4%
      Pizza $11.82$12.092.2%
      Beer $10.38$10.410.3%

      Health Care

      Item Bay City National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $125.98$125.680.2%
      Doctor $90.89$135.7833.1%
      Dentist $108.10$113.294.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.46$10.651.8%
      Lipitor $503.40$468.607.4%

      Housing

      Item Bay City National avg. Difference
      Home Price $106,500.00$184,700.0042.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,055.86$2,346.6912.4%
      Apartment Rent $879.00$949.007.4%

      Transportation

      Item Bay City National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.14$3.469.1%
      Tire Balancing $56.62$59.925.5%

      Utilities

      Item Bay City National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $233.43$193.9920.3%
      Phone $208.71$192.258.6%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Van Vleck, TX1,293991.1%
      Markham, TX1,029928.5%
      Bay City, TX17,6729010.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Laurel, VA17,6781065.6%
      Maryland City, MD17,68112827.5%
      Tallmadge, OH17,681954.9%
      Knik-Fairview, AK17,68212423.7%
      Spanish Lake, MO17,6828515.2%
      Bay City, TX17,6729010.3%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.