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Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX

Cost of living in Hays County, TX

Part of the Austin Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,561/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 256,429 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,650 46%
Federal tax $523 15%
Healthcare $480 13%
Groceries $334 9%
Transport $320 9%
Energy $199 6%
Water $55 2%
State tax $0 0%

Rent in Hays County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,549
per month
1 bedroom
$1,650
per month
2 bedroom
$1,949
per month
3 bedroom
$2,484
per month
4 bedroom
$2,882
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Hays County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$85,827
per year
Individual earnings
$42,043
per year
Per capita
$41,931
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Hays County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$371,400
Annual property tax
$6,420

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Hays County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$167
per month · 14.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$32
per month
Annual total
$2,388
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Hays County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
11.9%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Hays County

State and local tax rates for Texas.

No state income tax
Texas does not levy a personal income tax.
State sales tax
6.3%
Combined sales tax
8.2%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Hays County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
30.8 min
Drive alone
71.8%
Public transit
0.5%
Work from home
16.2%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Hays County

What it costs to live in Hays County each month.

Single person
$3,561
per month
  • Rent $1,650
  • Energy $199
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $334
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $523
  • State tax $0
Couple
$5,165
per month
  • Rent $1,949
  • Energy $239
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $553
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,075
  • State tax $0
Family
$7,842
per month
  • Rent $2,484
  • Energy $298
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $840
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,075
  • State tax $0

Frequently asked questions about Hays County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Hays County?

In Hays County, TX, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,650 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,949 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,484 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Hays County?

In Hays County, TX, the average household income is $85,827 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $42,043 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Hays County?

The estimated cost of living in Hays County, TX is approximately $3,561 per month for a single person, $5,165 for a couple, $7,842 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Hays County?

The combined sales tax rate in Hays County, TX is 8.19%, which includes the Texas state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 1.94%.

Is Hays County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Hays County, TX would need approximately $3,561 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $85,827 per year ($7,152 per month). Hays County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Hays County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Hays County, TX is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Hays County?

The average home value in Hays County, TX is $371,400, with average annual property taxes of $6,420, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Hays County compare to other areas?

You can compare Hays County, TX with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Hays County is in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metro area.

Other counties in Texas

Browse the full list of counties in Texas, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Texas

Compare Hays County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources