A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
28%
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 Kilgore Texas National
Cost of living9192100
Goods & Services9896100
Groceries9896100
Health care9094100
Housing7283100
Transportation9292100
Utilities116104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Kilgore, TX

Knowing the cost of living in Kilgore allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kilgore stands at 91, marking it 9% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kilgore aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Kilgore residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Kilgore Affordable?

Is Kilgore affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Kilgore, the median home price is 36.2% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 9.9% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Kilgore boasting a median household income of $55,810, 0.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kilgore?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Kilgore, the transportation index is 8.1% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Kilgore, the housing index comes in at 28.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Kilgore displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kilgore is 2% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Kilgore is 9% lower than the national average
  • Kilgore housing is 28% 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 Kilgore

See all the best places to live around Kilgore

Compare Kilgore, 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$61,590$5,133$1,437$1,848
      Renters$41,017$3,418$957$1,231
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Kilgore, 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 Kilgore have a median income of $61,590. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,437 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $41,017, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $957.

      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 Kilgore National avg. Difference
      Haircut $18.67$24.2623.1%
      Beauty Salon $37.78$45.5617.1%
      Toothpaste $3.61$3.702.6%
      Shampoo $1.13$1.2812.0%
      Movie $10.54$12.1313.1%
      Bowling $18.50$18.002.8%

      Groceries

      Item Kilgore National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $4.69$5.8419.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.59$1.571.2%
      Milk $4.57$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $4.55$4.937.8%
      Pizza $11.66$12.093.6%
      Beer $10.28$10.411.3%

      Health Care

      Item Kilgore National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $98.31$125.6821.8%
      Doctor $86.72$135.7836.1%
      Dentist $77.67$113.2931.4%
      Ibuprofen $10.25$10.653.8%
      Lipitor $462.37$468.601.3%

      Housing

      Item Kilgore National avg. Difference
      Home Price $117,800.00$184,700.0036.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,364.93$2,346.6941.8%
      Apartment Rent $855.00$949.009.9%

      Transportation

      Item Kilgore National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $2.94$3.4614.9%
      Tire Balancing $63.94$59.926.7%

      Utilities

      Item Kilgore National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $200.43$193.993.3%
      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.
      Big Sandy, TX1,4068514.9%
      Overton, TX3,0518614.0%
      Arp, TX1,4028713.5%
      Gladewater, TX5,9608911.3%
      Lakeport, TX1,247919.2%
      Kilgore, TX14,824919.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Oldsmar, FL14,8241077.1%
      Gaspé, QC14,815n/a 
      Kemp Mill, MD14,81214444.0%
      Jacksonville, TX14,8098613.8%
      Eggertsville, NY14,806927.6%
      Kilgore, TX14,824919.0%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.