Cost of Living in Galveston, TX - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $751 (excluding rent), and $2,047 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,251 (excluding rent), and $3,868 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$12.85 $12.85

$7.91 $7.91

$39.54 $39.54

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$65.4 $65.4

$40.23 $40.23

$80.5 $80.5

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.31 $8.31

$6.36 $6.36

$11.73 $11.73

Cappuccino

$4.71 $4.71

$3.49 $3.49

$7.97 $7.97

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.83 $2.83

$1.52 $1.52

$4.04 $4.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.23 $1.23

$3.08 $3.08

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.40 $4.40

$2.93 $2.93

$5.87 $5.87

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.94 $3.94

$11.81 $11.81

Milk (1 liter)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.83 $0.83

$1.11 $1.11

White Bread (500g)

$2.52 $2.52

$1.62 $1.62

$4.32 $4.32

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.17 $2.17

$2.00 $2.00

$6.52 $6.52

Eggs

$2.61 $2.61

$1.57 $1.57

$3.96 $3.96

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.51 $10.51

$8.86 $8.86

$19.92 $19.92

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.22 $8.22

$4.32 $4.32

$21.58 $21.58

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.76 $13.76

$10.02 $10.02

$17.98 $17.98

Apples (1kg)

$4.08 $4.08

$2.58 $2.58

$11.17 $11.17

Banana (1kg)

$1.13 $1.13

$0.97 $0.97

$2.08 $2.08

Oranges (1kg)

$5.76 $5.76

$2.97 $2.97

$11.15 $11.15

Tomato (1kg)

$3.15 $3.15

$1.74 $1.74

$8.16 $8.16

Potato (1kg)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.08 $1.08

$6.51 $6.51

Onion (1kg)

$2.16 $2.16

$1.72 $1.72

$8.64 $8.64

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.80 $1.80

$1.54 $1.54

$3.09 $3.09

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.53 $1.53

$1.02 $1.02

$3.05 $3.05

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.83 $7.83

$7.34 $7.34

$14.69 $14.69

Wine (Bottle)

$10.86 $10.86

$8.83 $8.83

$24.52 $24.52

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 $1.77

$1.46 $1.46

$3.64 $3.64

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.46 $1.46

$4.87 $4.87

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.27 $1.27

$2.04 $2.04

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$7.47 $7.47

$4.98 $4.98

$9.96 $9.96

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.83 $1.83

$1.35 $1.35

$1.83 $1.83

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.11 $29.11

$26.33 $26.33

$34.91 $34.91

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.77 $0.77

$0.67 $0.67

$0.83 $0.83

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.3K $30.3K

$23.9K $23.9K

$37.7K $37.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.5K $26.5K

$25.7K $25.7K

$30.4K $30.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$187 $187

$136 $136

$296 $296

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$45.05 $45.05

$15.29 $15.29

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$63.8 $63.8

$40.46 $40.46

$123 $123

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$24.87 $24.87

$17.41 $17.41

$49.75 $49.75

Cinema Ticket

$11.20 $11.20

$9.16 $9.16

$15.27 $15.27

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,168 $1,168

$801 $801

$1,502 $1,502

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$18.0K $18.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$39.27 $39.27

$19.88 $19.88

$69.6 $69.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$38.98 $38.98

$15.26 $15.26

$76.3 $76.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.2 $72.2

$29.88 $29.88

$149 $149

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$79.5 $79.5

$39.76 $39.76

$249 $249

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,476 $1,476

$906 $906

$2,013 $2,013

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$987 $987

$691 $691

$1,184 $1,184

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,663 $2,663

$1,498 $1,498

$3,994 $3,994

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,676 $1,676

$1,084 $1,084

$1,972 $1,972

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,709 $2,709

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,154 $2,154

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,110 $4,110

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.71

6.19

7.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Galveston, TX Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

267

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Galveston, TX - Frequently Asked Questions

Galveston provides a coastal mix that many travelers, expats, and digital nomads find valuable: you can enjoy beach access, walkable streets, and a sense of community without the scale of bigger metros. Housing options range from modest rentals in older neighborhoods to furnished stays near the Seawall, which helps balance price and convenience, especially outside peak season. Local groceries, casual eateries, and coffee spots stay accessible, with prices influenced more by tourism than by a large-city premium. Cost of Living in Galveston, TX captures this practical balance for those prioritizing lifestyle alongside stability. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods, routines, and commute times before committing long-term.

Daily life on the island centers on simple routines and coastal perks. Housing search often focuses on neighborhoods near the bay, the Seawall, or the historic core, with options from airy apartments to compact cottages that suit temporary gigs or longer stays. Food options span seafood markets, casual eateries, and farmers markets, making it easy to cook at home or enjoy fresh meals without a long drive. Getting around is workable by bike, on foot, or with a car for grocery runs and weekend trips; ferries and coastal roads give scenic alternatives. Errands cluster around resilient, walkable corridors where shops and services stay open beyond the peak tourist hours. Galveston, TX living cost remains manageable with mindful planning. Tip: Build a one-week shopping and transit plan to keep trips efficient.

Quality of life in Galveston hinges on pace, access to outdoors, and community rhythm. A practical budgeting framework uses simple categories: housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, with monthly targets that adapt to seasonal changes in tourism and weather. Neighborhood fit matters: East End tends to be quieter and residential; the Strand area offers amenities and nightlife; historic neighborhoods provide charm but can be pricier for rentals. Save by cooking at home, taking advantage of local markets, and choosing longer stays during shoulder seasons when accommodation prices soften. Seasonal weather can influence activity calendars – prepare for storms and plan indoor alternates. Tip: Map two or three neighborhoods you like, then test different weeks to gauge consistency and vibe.