Universal, TX

Below Avg · 85

Texas · Population 19,853 · Updated March 2026

$1,213
Median Rent / Month
$75,439
Median Income
$249,400
Median Home Value
$1,310
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Universal

19.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Texas

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
1.6%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$14,556
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$3,990
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Universal offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 85 (where 100 equals the national median), Universal residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,213/month while earning a median household income of $75,439/year.

The median home value in Universal, TX is $249,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,310 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Texas has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.6% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Universal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Universal

What is the cost of living in Universal, TX?
The cost of living index in Universal, TX is 85 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,213, median household income is $75,439/year, and the median home value is $249,400.
Is Universal, TX affordable?
Yes, Universal is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 85. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Universal, TX?
The median gross rent in Universal, TX is $1,213 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,556.
What is the median household income in Universal?
The median household income in Universal, TX is $75,439 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Texas?
Texas has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.6%. Notably, there is no state income tax.