An Overview of Cost of Living in Schertz, TX
Understanding the cost of living in Schertz can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Schertz cost of living index is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Schertz closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Schertz can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Schertz, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 28.1% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.
Is Schertz Affordable?
Is Schertz affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Schertz, for instance, where the median home price falls 21% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 44.8% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Schertz flaunting a median household income of $84,527, 52.8% higher than the national norm.
What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Schertz?
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Schertz, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 0%.
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 Schertz, the housing index comes in at 28.1% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Schertz, healthcare costs are 5% higher than the national average.
Where is the Data From?
The Schertz 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.