Introduction to Life in Longview
Located in Northeastern Texas, Longview offers a blend of small-town charm, affordability, and access to outdoor recreation, making it a desirable place to live, especially for families.
The cost of living Longview TX is 5% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly attractive, at 12% lower than national average.
For an individual, the cost of basic expenses in Longview amount to an average of $2,767 per month, a total of $33,200 for a year. For a family, the cost of living in this city is $3,180 per month or a total of $38,160 per year.
Housing and Real Estate Costs
When assessing Longview cost of living, housing is generally the biggest monthly cost that you would need to account for.
Housing costs in Longview, TX, is 12% lower than national average. Home values range from $5,000 to $3 million. The average home value in the area is $223,296.
Apartment rent ranges from $824 to $1,274 per month. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the Longview metro area is $1,337, which is 15% less than the average rent across the country.
Utilities and Household Expenses
The average cost of Longview utilities is 9.6% higher than the national average.
Utilities | Longview, TX | National Average |
Energy | $223.83 | $200.07 |
Phone | $205.01 | $193.54 |
Transportation Costs in Longview
The average cost of transportation in Longview, TX, is 13% lower than the national average.
Transportation | Longview, TX | National Average |
Gasoline (1 gallon) | $3.03 | $3.39 |
Tire Balance | $56.33 | $60.97 |
Grocery and Food Costs
The cost of Longview grocery and food items is 4% lower than the national average.
Item | Average Cost |
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $20.00 |
Three-Course Meal for 2 People at a Mid-Range Restaurant | $60.00 |
Combo Meal at a Fast-Food Restaurant | $10.00 |
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught) | $6.00 |
Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle) | $7.00 |
Cappuccino (regular) | $5.37 |
Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle) | $2.71 |
Water (0.33-liter bottle) | $1.00 |
Item | Average Cost |
Milk (1 liter) | $0.91 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | $3.03 |
Eggs (regular, 12) | $3.66 |
Rice (white, 1kg) | $1.92 |
Local Cheese (1kg) | $12.52 |
Beef Round Back Leg Red Meat (1kg) | $17.59 |
Apples (1kg) | $2.76 |
Banana (1kg) | $1.37 |
Oranges (1kg) | $3.86 |
Tomato (1kg) | $2.74 |
Potato (1kg) | $2.20 |
Onion (1kg) | $1.98 |
Lettuce (1 head) | $1.87 |
Water (1.5-liter bottle) | $1.29 |
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $13.25 |
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter bottle) | $2.00 |
Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle) | $3.71 |
Healthcare and Insurance Expenses
The average cost of healthcare in Longview, TX, is 16% lower than the national average.
Doctor/Medicine | Longview, TX | National Average |
Optometrist Visit | $130.46 | $128.65 |
Doctor Visit | $98.91 | $140.46 |
Dentist Visit | $102.65 | $115.50 |
Ibuprofen | $10.66 | $10.83 |
Prescription Drug | $257.63 | $243.86 |
Education and Childcare Costs
In Longview, TX, childcare costs range from around $16.05 to $25.75 per hour. This is lower compared to the national average which ranges from $19.47 to $26.99 per hour.
The cost of education can vary significantly, depending on the type of institution and grade level. For private schools in Longview, tuition ranges from $8,525 to $9,525 annually, while college tuition and fees can range from $9,577 to $35,500 per year.
Longview, TX, is served by the Longview Independent School District (LISD), a public 5A school district. The district offers a range of educational programs, including magnet charter school STEAM campuses, project-based learning, and bilingual and English language learning programs.
Income and Employment in Longview
The median household income in Longview, TX, is $68,562, lower than the national median household income of $75,149. However, this is considered more than enough for a family can live comfortably in this city for $38,160 per year.
An individual can maintain their current standard of living with an income of $2,767 per month (a total of $33,200 for a year). This is 42% less expensive than the national average.
Taxes and Government Fees
The state of Texas does not have an individual income tax. It has a 6.25% state sales tax rate and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 8.20%.
In Longview, the combined sales tax rate ranges from 7.75% to 8.25%. An individual’s total sales tax rate is the sum of the Texas state tax (6.25%), the county sales tax (0.00%-0.50%) and the Longview city sales tax (1.50%).
Cost Comparison with Other Texas Cities
As previously mentioned, the cost of living in Longview, TX, is 5% lower than the national average.
The overall cost of living in Dallas, compared to the national average, is 2% lower; in Houston, 6% lower; and in Tyler, 10% lower.
COL Index | Longview, TX | Houston, TX | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
Overall | 95 | 102 | 94 | 95 |
Housing | 89 | 101 | 81 | 90 |
Utilities | 110 | 112 | 98 | 106 |
Groceries | 97 | 99 | 100 | 96 |
Transportation | 90 | 90 | 92 | 101 |
Best Neighborhoods for Affordability
If you’re looking for affordable homes in Longview, TX, the three best neighborhoods to consider are Spring Hill, Pine Tree Road, and Longview Heights.
Spring Hill is an ideal neighborhood for families. It offers a quiet, clean, and friendly environment with a strong sense of community.
Pine Tree Road is known for its close-knit community and majestic, mature pine trees. This neighborhood features beautiful homes that are spacious and move-in ready, with open floor plans and updated flooring.
Longview Heights is a peaceful and well-maintained neighborhood that offers convenient access to local amenities.
Real Estate Trends in Longview
Homes for sale in Longview, TX, sell from $5,000 to $3 million. The city offers affordable multi-family homes, condos, and townhomes.
As of February 2025, the median listing home price in Longview was $298,000. The median listing home price per square foot was $148. The median home sold price was $229,100. On average, homes in Longview sold for 2% below the asking price.
During the same time period, Longview, TX, was a buyer’s market. This means that the supply of homes is greater than the demand for homes.
Conclusion
Longview is an amazing place to live with an affordable cost of living overall, making it an ideal location for anyone who’s looking to move to Northeast Texas.
If you’d like to explore the beautiful neighborhoods in Longview, TX, I can help! Feel free to give me a call today at 903-500-0017 or email me at austin@austinmooreandcompany.com to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Longview affordable for families?
Yes, for a family to live comfortably in Longview, the recommended household income is $38,160 per year. -
How much is the rent in Longview?
Apartment rent in Longview ranges from $824 to $1,274 per month. -
Are groceries cheaper in Longview?
Yes, the cost of Longview grocery and food items is 4% lower than the national average.
