Kingwood is a beautifully scenic community in northeast Houston, often called the “Livable Forest.” Situated on the east fork of the San Jacinto River, Kingwood, TX, is one of the largest master-planned communities within the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area.
The community covers more than 15,000 acres of land, much of it heavily forested, and features parks, trails, and nature preserves. It is a charming, idyllic place to call home – and it may be among the most affordable cities to live in Texas.
What is the average cost of living in Kingwood, TX?
In Kingwood, cost of living data shows just one of the many reasons so many people are considering relocating to this Houston suburb. Basic living expenses in Kingwood are estimated to be around 8% less expensive than the United States national average.
That means your money will likely go further here than it would in many other cities across the country. And suppose you’re relocating to Kingwood from a large, typically expensive city such as New York City or San Francisco. In that case, you’ll find the cost of living in the Kingwood area to be dramatically lower.
So, exactly how is the cost of living calculated? There are several crucial factors considered, including essential expenses in these categories:
- Housing
- Food
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Goods and services
- Taxes
As a Kingwood resident, your cost of living will largely depend on your lifestyle, spending choices, and so on. However, our guide to the cost of living in Kingwood, TX, can be helpful for budgeting for your future.
Housing costs in Kingwood
Housing prices in Kingwood are anywhere from 12 to 19% lower than the national average, even with the marked increase in demand.
The median home price in Kingwood, TX (as of January 2023) is approximately $349,000, which translates to about $142 per square foot. Because it is a relatively small community, the market availability of homes for sale can sometimes be limited. On average, you can find Kingwood homes for sale at prices ranging from the lower $100,000s to over $5 million.
In Kingwood, average rent prices vary based on the type of property. For example, a one-bedroom apartment may rent for $1,100 to $1,250 per month, and larger luxury units with three or more bedrooms can easily rent for $3,000 or more. Single-family homes for rent in Kingwood average between $2,100 and $3,000 per month, depending on size, features, and location.
When weighing your options for rental homes, it is helpful to consider exactly what you will be getting for the price of rent. For example, does your monthly rent include basic exterior and interior maintenance? Or will you be responsible for covering those expenses yourself?
Wan Bridge has two rental communities in the Kingwood area, the Villas at Kings Harbor and the Regent Square Brownstones. Both feature a number of luxury community amenities, spacious floorplans, and more, all included in the cost of monthly rent. And because our professional property management team takes care of all maintenance – even changing light bulbs – you can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.
Food costs in Kingwood
Grocery prices in Kingwood also tend to be lower than comparable averages across the U.S. You can look forward to spending about 5 to 10% less on your food in Kingwood, whether you’re stocking up on pantry staples or dining out.
Kingwood grocery stores include HEB, Kroger, and ALDI, as well as other popular chains. And if you’re searching for specialty items you can’t locate in town, you can shop in the heart of Houston in about 30 minutes via car.
Utility costs in Kingwood
Utility bills in Kingwood are also generally less expensive than the national average. As a whole, utilities in the Houston area are about 2% lower than the average across the U.S.
Also, mild weather during the winter months can result in even lower utility bills. These decreased costs are an ideal way to offset the often-higher bills during the hot, sunny summers.
Transportation costs in Kingwood
Generally speaking, Texas is a state where personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation – and Kingwood is no different. So, it’s good news that gas prices in Kingwood are often slightly lower than national averages and significantly less than prices in many cities like Los Angeles or New York City.
If you prefer to utilize public transit, your options include routes covered by Harris County Transit and the Houston-based METRO service.
Healthcare costs in Kingwood
In Kingwood (and Texas in general), healthcare costs are slightly above average. However, it is worth keeping in mind that healthcare expenses vary from individual to individual. So, your costs may be far lower than the average.
Regardless, there are ample options for both routine/preventative and specialized care throughout Kingwood and the larger Houston area.
Goods and services costs in Kingwood
In determining the cost of living data, the goods and services category encompasses a broad range of “miscellaneous” expenses: fitness, personal care, pet care, etc. So, this highly flexible expense can be tailored to suit your needs and goals.
Whatever your preferences for goods and services spending may be, the cost in Kingwood is right in line with national averages.
Taxes in Kingwood
Of the numerous benefits of living in Texas, one of the most financially-useful perks is that there is no state income tax here. That means that you can enjoy more take-home pay than you would as a resident in many other states.
Kingwood sales tax is 8.25%, comparable to other Texas cities and other areas of the U.S.
You’ll always want to mark your calendar for the tax-free holidays in Texas. Three weekends per year, you can make purchases without requiring sales tax. For many Texans, these weekends are the ideal time to buy cars, appliances, electronics, and other big-ticket items.
How much do I need to earn to live in Kingwood, TX?
Data from the MIT Living Wage Calculate estimates that a single adult in Kingwood, TX, would need to earn about $14.26 per hour or $29,667 annually in order to support themselves effectively.
Kingwood’s average household income is approximately $77,000, which is well above the calculated living wage. This data, combined with a relatively healthy job market, is promising for prospective Kingwood residents.
Living in Kingwood, TX
Kingwood, TX, is a scenic and serene community just a short drive from Houston, boasting ample amenities surrounded by lush forests. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or simply searching for a beautiful place to call home, Kingwood should definitely be at the top of your list.
Wan Bridge has two built-to-rent communities in the area, providing an outstanding option for individuals that want to enjoy the ultimate convenience, modern design, and community amenities. Our large, open floor plans offer flexibility for you to create spaces that suit your lifestyle while our full-service property management frees you from the hassle of regular maintenance and chores.
Contact our team today for more information about what makes Wan Bridge’s homes for rent in Kingwood so unique.
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