What is the cost of living in Harlingen, TX?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Harlingen has an overall cost of living index of 86, which is 0.9x lower than the national index of 100.
Compared to Texas, Harlingen has a cost of living index that's 0.9x lower than Texas's index of 93.
The standard of living in Harlingen ranks as #45 most affordable out of the 419 places we measured in Texas. By definition, that implies Harlingen ranks as the #374 most expensive place in the Lone Star State.
For more reading on life in Harlingen, check out:
Harlingen Cost Of Living Vs. Texas
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Harlingen. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Harlingen is 98.
The Groceries index in Harlingen is 99.
The Health index in Harlingen is 58.
The Housing index in Harlingen is 96.
The Transportation index in Harlingen is 102.
The Utilities index in Harlingen is 102.
| Living Expense | Harlingen | Texas | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 86 | 93 | 100 |
| Services | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Health | 58 | 81 | 100 |
| Housing | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 100 | 100 |
Harlingen Cost Of Living Compared To Texas Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Texas, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Harlingen Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Harlingen, TX Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Texas, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Harlingen is $197,377.
The Median Rent in Harlingen is $928.
The Median Income in Harlingen is $53,645.
The Home Value To Income in Harlingen is 3.7x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Harlingen is 0.21x.
Harlingen, TX Costs By Category
Detailed Harlingen Services costs vs. Texas
Detailed Harlingen Groceries costs vs. Texas
Detailed Harlingen Health costs vs. Texas
Detailed Harlingen Transportation costs vs. Texas
Harlingen SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Harlingen
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Harlingen. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Brownsville, TX has a cost of living index of 89, 1.0x Harlingen.
McAllen, TX has a cost of living index of 92, 1.1x Harlingen.
Edinburg, TX has a cost of living index of 94, 1.1x Harlingen.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Harlingen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brownsville, TX | 189,177 | 89 | 1.0x |
| McAllen, TX | 145,385 | 92 | 1.1x |
| Edinburg, TX | 104,550 | 94 | 1.1x |
| Mission, TX | 87,038 | 90 | 1.0x |
| Pharr, TX | 80,333 | 85 | 1.0x |
| San Benito, TX | 24,709 | 82 | 1.0x |
| Alton, TX | 20,214 | 85 | 1.0x |
| Hidalgo, TX | 14,498 | 90 | 1.0x |
| La Homa, TX | 11,285 | 83 | 1.0x |
| Raymondville, TX | 10,185 | 80 | 0.9x |
