Corpus Christi is a coastal city located in South Texas, tucked in a bay where its beaches are sheltered by Padre and Mustang Island. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Corpus Christi with approximately 8 million people in every area with a large percentage of visitors coming from different cities in Texas.
Corpus Christi is one of the cities that has a low cost of living where you’re able to stretch your dollar and spend on things you enjoy. The coastal city was named as one of the cities with low cost of living among the nation’s top 75 cities and the second least expensive in Texas according to moving website Move.org.
If you’re thinking of moving to Corpus Christi, here is what you need to know about the cost of living in the area. The cost of living is lower than the national average which makes it ideal for people looking for a cheaper place to live that offers picturesque beach views, sunny surroundings, and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for your and your family to enjoy.
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Cost of Living Index in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is one of the affordable coastal cities in America compared to other cities near the coast in the United States such as Miami, FL, San Diego, CA, and San Francisco California. On top of some of the cheapest rent around, you’ll also find low grocery prices and gas prices. There are plenty of grocery stores in Corpus Christi that have prices that are pretty much equivalent to what you’d find in a nearby city.
In this blog, we’ll be using the cost of living index where 100 represents the national average. Anything below 100 is cheaper than the national average while anything higher than 100 is more expensive than the national average. Corpus Christi’s cost of living has an overall score of 83.1 which is 16.9% cheaper than the national average. The cost of living breakdown is composed of different factors including housing costs, transportation, food, and entertainment.
How Much Does Corpus Christi Housing Cost?
Based on the cost of living index, Corpus Christi scored 63.2 in housing which is 36.8% cheaper than the national average and 21.1% lower than Texas for both buying and renting. Let’s dig into the costs of home prices and rent below.
Median Home Prices in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi offers a wide range of home prices, styles, floor plans within different neighborhoods that fits your lifestyle. The average Corpus Christi home value is $207,449, up 4.6% over the past year and is still lower compared other coastal cities such as the following below. The chart below presents a visual representation of the different coastal cities in the United States.
Median Rent Prices in Corpus Christi
The median rent price in Corpus Christi is $988.08 a month, however, this can also greatly depend on which area or neighborhood in Corpus Christi you’ll be staying. A one-bedroom apartment can range from $871 – $920 while a two-bedroom apartment can cost you $1,071. For a three-bedroom, it can cost $1,412 and $1,648 for a four-bedroom home per month.
Utility Costs in Corpus Christi
The utility cost in Corpus Christi is slightly higher than average by 18%. Utilities include your energy bill, phone bill natural gas, heating and cooling, and more. Here are the estimated utility prices in Corpus Christi.
The average energy bill in Corpus Christi is $197.17 per month while the price of vehicle gas is $2.47 per gallon. Phone bill costs can get up to $210.17 a month. Corpus Christi is prone to natural disasters due to its location by the Gulf of Mexico therefore home insurance in the area is expected to be higher than the national average. To give you an idea, the price annual insurance premium in Corpus Christi can cost anywhere from $981 to $3,133.
Grocery Costs in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi has grocery prices that are 15% lower than the national average. Depending on the size of your family, a person will need $230 – $300 a month to spend on food. A loaf of bread would cost $2.83, $1.65 for a gallon of milk, $1.54 dozen of eggs, and $2.85 for a bunch of bananas.
Dining Costs in Corpus Christi
There are plenty of dining options in Corpus Christi. Take a deep dive into the culture and cuisine of the city from seafood markets, family-friendly beach eats, Tex-Mex restaurants, farm-to-table sourced ingredients, and BBQ joints!
One meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs $12 for one person and a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can cost up to $60-$70 for a three-course meal. One meal at a fast-food chain such as a combo meal can cost $7. For beverages, the price of domestic beer costs $4.62 while $6.50 for imported beer.
Public Transportation Costs in Corpus Christi
If you are planning to get around Corpus Christi without the need for self-driving, there are plenty of options available. Starting with Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority which is one of the main public transportation systems in the city. A single adult-fare one-day pass costs $1.75 and $30.50 for 30 days.
Students and faculty at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Del Mar College with their current semester ticket can ride at no charge with their valid school ID. Uber and Lyft are also available within the area to get around the city at ease with prices that depend on your pick-up and drop-off locations.
Healthcare Costs in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a popular retirement destination for many seniors. In 2019, 13.8% of the city’s residents are 65 years and over. Corpus Christi has a SeniorScore of 78 which is several points higher than the national average of 72 according to SeniorAdvice. Besides the general population, most seniors are in need of healthcare. The cost of healthcare in Corpus Christi is 7% below the national average. Here is a breakdown of healthcare costs in Corpus Christi including veterinary costs.
- Doctor’s Visit – $102.52
- Dentist Visit – $88.07
- Optometrist Visit – $96.06
- Veterinary Visit – $49.51
Entertainment in Corpus Christi
One of the best things in Corpus Christi is its rich culture, local entertainment scene, and abundant low-cost outdoor activities. There are plenty of things to do in this coastal city from watersports, listening to local live bands, visiting historic locations, and more. Fortunately, some activities done at water or by the shoreline are free. Here is a breakdown of sports and leisure costs in Corpus Christi.
- Monthly Fitness Club Fee for Adults – $25.47
- Yoga Class – $14.50
- Cinema – $7.00 – $8.35
- Tennis Court Rent – $0.00
Salaries in Corpus Christi
According to employment marketplace ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for the average jobs category in Corpus Christi is $59,000 to $60,791 a year. If you were to simply calculate it, that would be $17.07 – $29.23 an hour, $1,169 a week, or $5,066 a month. Below are the most popular occupations in Corpus Christi including their salary range:
- Project Manager – $48k – $123k
- Operations Manager – $49k – $127k
- Office Manager – $24k – $53k
- Registered Nurse – $40k – $81k
- Elementary School Teacher – $36k – $55k
- Mechanical Engineer – $58k – $95k
- Family Nurse Practitioner – $62k – $126k
Corpus Christi holds plenty of opportunities for everyone. Ready to find your new home in Corpus Christi? Send us a message and one of our real estate experts will get in touch with you as soon as possible!
