Cost of Living in Temple
Temple runs about 10% below the national cost-of-living average, with the highest median household income ($68,204) of the four markets in this batch and homeowners insurance that prices notably below the Texas state average.
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Learn moreNo state income tax, affordable housing, softening slightly year over year
Texas's no state income tax applies fully in Temple. Temple's citywide median home sale price ran $266,230 as of June 2026 (Redfin), down 3.2% year over year -- a softening consistent with Killeen's pattern in this same batch, though still affordable relative to the national median.
A healthcare-sector-anchored job market provides real income stability
Because healthcare (Baylor Scott & White Temple, the VA hospital, and related services) is the dominant local employer, Temple's job market carries real structural stability -- and its median household income ($68,204) is the highest of the four markets in this batch, well above Waco's ($51,468) and Killeen's ($60,977).
Insurance costs run favorably relative to the rest of Texas
Temple's average standard homeowners policy is cited at approximately $1,861/year -- notably below the statewide Texas average (cited at $3,429/year in the same source, and $4,085-$4,800/year in other statewide sources used elsewhere in this batch), and well below Killeen's $5,063/year figure. This is a real, favorable cost difference within the same Bell County that Killeen also sits in.
Key takeaways
- Texas's no state income tax applies fully in Temple, a real structural cost advantage.
- Housing runs $266,230 citywide median (Redfin, June 2026), down 3.2% YoY -- affordable relative to the national median.
- Median household income ($68,204) is the highest of the four markets in this batch, reflecting the healthcare-sector-anchored job market.
- Homeowners insurance (~$1,861/year) prices notably below the Texas state average and well below Killeen's figure in this same batch.
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