Cost of Living in Galveston County, Texas

$1,360/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$284,900

Median Home Value

41% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,360/mo

41% above state average

Median Home Value

$284,900

1% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

31.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Galveston County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Galveston County$1,360/mo

Texas Average$963/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,360/mo

Median Gross Rent

$284,900

Median Home Value

$1,538/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

31.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Galveston County, Texas

Galveston costs more, incomes bigger

Galveston County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% slightly exceeds Texas's state average of 18.1%, though the county's higher median income of $85,348 provides cushion. Median rent of $1,360 per month significantly outpaces the state average of $963, reflecting the premium coastal location and stronger regional economy.

Higher costs offset by stronger incomes

Galveston ranks as a higher-cost Texas county, but its above-average household income of $85,348—well above the state and national median—makes housing more manageable for many residents. The tradeoff: you pay more upfront but earn more to cover it.

Priciest rent among these eight counties

Galveston's $1,360 monthly rent far exceeds all neighboring counties in this cohort, including Freestone ($844), Gaines ($788), and even Gillespie ($1,331). Median home values of $284,900 similarly rank among the highest, positioning Galveston as the premium option for those seeking coastal access and stronger job markets.

Higher income absorbs higher costs

Renters in Galveston spend 19.1% of their $85,348 income on housing, while homeowners commit 21.7% to a median monthly cost of $1,538. The county's robust income levels help offset these elevated costs, though homebuying here demands substantially deeper pockets than rural alternatives.

Relocate if income and job access matter

Galveston makes sense for higher-earning households seeking coastal living, job market access, and urban amenities, not lowest housing costs. If you're earning well and prioritize proximity to Houston's economy and Gulf access over pure affordability, Galveston's premium prices buy you valuable location.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Galveston County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.1%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,991

per month

Owner Cost Burden

21.6%

of gross income

The median home in Galveston County may be a stretch

Median home value is $284,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,274 vs. your max of $1,991.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.1%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Galveston County, Texas?

Galveston County, Texas has a median monthly rent of $1,360/mo and a median home value of $284,900. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 31.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Galveston County?

The median gross rent in Galveston County is $1,360/mo. This is 41% above state average for Texas.

Is Galveston County affordable?

Galveston County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 31.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Galveston County's rent compare to the state average?

Galveston County's median rent of $1,360/mo is 41% above state average of $963/mo for Texas.

What is the median home value in Galveston County?

The median home value in Galveston County, Texas is $284,900. This is 1% above the national median home value of $281,900.