B
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
21%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
23%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
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 Princeton Texas National
Cost of living11592100
Goods & Services12196100
Groceries9796100
Health care11094100
Housing12383100
Transportation9492100
Utilities115104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Princeton, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Princeton is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Princeton is 115, which is 15% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Princeton cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 22.8% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Everyday goods and services make up 33% of the cost of living index and include things like clothing, personal hygiene products and entertainment which are a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Unfortunately, Princeton goods and services are 20.6% more expensive than the national average, leaving you with less money at the end of the month.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Princeton?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Princeton. The feedback revealed that 50% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 50% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Princeton Affordable?

Is Princeton 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 Princeton, the median home price is 11.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 50.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Princeton boasting a median household income of $80,323, 45.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Princeton?

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Princeton, the transportation index stands at 6.4% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Princeton, healthcare costs are 9.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Princeton 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.

New Real Estate Listings in Princeton Area
Search Homes for Sale in Princeton, TX

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Princeton is 24% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Princeton is 15% higher than the national average
  • Princeton housing is 23% higher 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 Princeton

See all the best places to live around Princeton

Compare Princeton, TX Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Princeton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Princeton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Princeton poll results

      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$82,753$6,896$1,931$2,483
      Renters$51,250$4,271$1,196$1,538
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Princeton, TX, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Princeton, the median monthly income is $82,753 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,931 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $51,250, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,196 on monthly rental expenses.

      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 Princeton National avg. Difference
      Haircut $23.57$24.262.8%
      Beauty Salon $35.11$45.5622.9%
      Toothpaste $3.51$3.705.1%
      Shampoo $1.22$1.284.7%
      Movie $11.85$12.132.3%
      Bowling $16.96$18.005.8%

      Groceries

      Item Princeton National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.44$5.846.9%
      Fried Chicken $1.32$1.5716.1%
      Milk $4.63$4.670.9%
      Potatoes $4.15$4.9316.0%
      Pizza $11.96$12.091.0%
      Beer $10.27$10.411.4%

      Health Care

      Item Princeton National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $96.63$125.6823.1%
      Doctor $131.00$135.783.5%
      Dentist $86.73$113.2923.4%
      Ibuprofen $10.40$10.652.4%
      Lipitor $484.49$468.603.4%

      Housing

      Item Princeton National avg. Difference
      Home Price $205,200.00$184,700.0011.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,562.33$2,346.6933.4%
      Apartment Rent $1,426.00$949.0050.3%

      Transportation

      Item Princeton National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.47$3.460.3%
      Tire Balancing $66.47$59.9210.9%

      Utilities

      Item Princeton National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $145.64$193.9924.9%
      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.
      St. Paul CDP, TX5948910.7%
      St. Paul, TX1,3778910.7%
      Blue Ridge, TX8281054.8%
      Westminster, TX7681065.6%
      Josephine, TX1,4881099.4%
      Princeton, TX12,20811514.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Harrison, WI12,2091077.2%
      Coldwater, MI12,2038316.9%
      Woodward, OK12,213909.6%
      Fulshear, TX12,21314140.7%
      Valencia West, AZ12,2011087.7%
      Princeton, TX12,20811514.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.