Corpus Christi is a coastal city in south Texas that borders the Gulf of Mexico. Corpus Christi, which means "Body of Christ" in Latin, was named after Spanish explorers who discovered the country in the early 1500s.
Often known as "the Sparkling City by the Sea," Corpus is most recognized for its scenic coastline, inexpensive cost of living, strong economy, and availability of outdoor activities such as windsurfing, sailing, and kiteboarding.
If you’re thinking of moving to Corpus Christi, TX, then this article is just what you need. Keep reading to learn more about the cost of living in Corpus Christi, Texas in 2023.
At a Glance
* The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Corpus Christi is $962 per month.
* The average cost of utilities in Corpus Christi is 30% higher than the national average
* The average annual salary in Corpus Christi is $49,06 per year.
* The cost of living in Corpus Christi is 6% lower than the national average.
Housing Costs
Housing is the most significant expense for most American households, and residents of Corpus Christi are no different. When looking to move to Corpus, it is important that you factor in the costs associated with owning a house. The median price for a home in Corpus Christi is $280,000 — an amazing price considering houses in some cities like Austin and Dallas cost a lot more.
Compare Median Housing Prices:
Corpus Christi: $280,000
New York: $820,000
Los Angeles: $975,000
Austin: $577,000
Renting Costs
The average rent for apartments in Corpus Christi, TX, is between $840 and $1,319 in 2022. For a studio apartment in Corpus Christi, TX, the average rent is $840. When it comes to 1-bedroom apartments, the average rent in Corpus Christi, TX, is $979. For a 2-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $1,244. The average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Corpus Christi, TX, is $1,319. More importantly, the average rent in Corpus Christi, TX is 35% lower than the national median.
Compare Median Renting Prices:
Corpus Christi: $962
New York: $3,495
Los Angeles: $3,195
Austin: $1,826
Transportation Costs
Another important aspect to consider when looking at the cost of living in Corpus Christi is the cost of transportation. After all, you need to move from one end of the city to the other for work, tourism, or typical day-to-day activities. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 1% lower than the national average.
If you're looking for public transport in Corpus Christi you're in luck. The city has an extensive, convenient, and affordable bus system run by the Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority. The bus routes run throughout the city seven days a week.
* Public transportation: A one-way trip on the CCTRA buses costs around $0.75 for a single trip, $1.75 for a day pass, and $50 for a B-Line pass.
* Fuel: A gallon of gas is now around $3.55, which is a lot less than the national average.
Compare Median Transportation Costs (annually):
Corpus Christi: $9,776
New York: $7,531
Los Angeles: $8,762
Austin: $9,776
Utility Costs
If you’re planning to move to the city of Corpus Christi, utilities are one of the most essential costs to consider when calculating the cost of living. They can quickly and dramatically raise your monthly expenses, including the average rent in Corpus.
Corpus Christi's utility costs are far higher than the national average. In the United States, the average monthly utility cost is $122. The average price of utility per month in Corpus Christi adds up to over $300, according to a study.
Other utilities in Corpus Christi include:
* Electric — $139
* Gas — $60
* Water and sewer — $215
* Waste and recycling — $216
Compare Median Utility Costs (source):
Corpus Christi: $343.17
New York: $477
Los Angeles: $380.79
Austin: $390.52
Food Costs
Another factor that can quickly and significantly raise the cost of living in Corpus is food prices, which are divided into two categories: grocery and eating out. The amount you will spend on food will largely depend on whether you choose to eat out or do the cooking at home.
Corpus Christi has grocery prices that are 13% lower than the national average with the average family spending around $6,143 on food annually. You can expect to pay about $2.48 for a loaf of bread, $2 for a carton of eggs, and $1.81 for a gallon of milk.
According to Numbeo, you can expect to pay about $8 for a fast-food meal or $15 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant. When date night comes around, you’ll spend approximately $70 for a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant.
Compare Median Food Costs (per month):
Corpus Christi: $437
New York: $477
Los Angeles: $375
Austin: $302
Grocery Costs
Corpus Christi has grocery prices that are 13% lower than the national average. A single adult spends an average of $3,480 on groceries annually, while a family of four spends $10,235. If you’re looking for low-cost groceries, you can always check out H-E-B and Sprouts.
In terms of grocery items, a bottle of milk costs about $1.81 in Corpus Christi, a dozen eggs go for around $1.41, and a pound of potatoes circles around $2.76.
Compare Median Grocery Costs:
Corpus Christi: $279.25
New York: $477
Las Angeles: $375
Austin: $302
Healthcare Costs
The amount you will spend on healthcare in Corpus Christi will be heavily influenced by you or your family's current state of health or if you have comprehensive health insurance.
Overall, healthcare in Corpus Christi is 14% lower than the national average. If you schedule an appointment for your yearly physical, you will be charged $101.14 for that visit. A trip to the dentist will cost $86.49 before insurance, whilst residents of other cities will spend a lot higher. More importantly, in Corpus Christi, the average annual health insurance premium is $2,585.
Compare Median Healthcare Costs (Annually):
Corpus Christi: $6,160
New York: $8,891
Los Angeles: $6,888
Austin: $6,160
Entertainment Costs
One of the upsides of living in Corpus Christi is the array of outdoor and indoor entertainment options littered across the city. From games and arcade centers, recreational parks, and nightclubs, to high-end restaurants, Corpus Christi is a hotspot for fun and entertainment.
Entertainment and activities in Corpus Christi typically cost an average of $10-28 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses. On the other hand, movie tickets are about $8.54 per person.
Compare Median Entertainment Costs (per day):
Corpus Christi: $25
New York: $77
Los Angeles: $49
Austin: $22
Fitness Costs
If you’re a fitness lover, Corpus Christi is home to multiple public and private fitness centers. Corpus Christi’s gym memberships are relatively affordable at just $26.9 on average. That said, the fantastic weather and plethora of local parks mean you can get your fitness groove without spending a dime.
Compare Median Fitness Costs (per month):
Corpus Christi: $26.9
New York: $106
Los Angeles: $50.03
Austin: $55
Clothing Costs
The cost of clothing tells you how much more or less money you need to buy basic items such as jeans, shirts or slacks in a new city. A men's shirt costs around $38.25 here in Corpus Christi. Meanwhile, a pair of women's slacks will set you back around $33.18.
Taxes in Corpus Christi
One of the benefits of relocating to Corpus Christi is the lack of a state income tax. You must, however, pay sales and property taxes, which can be much more than the national average. Corpus Christi, Texas's minimum combined 2022 sales tax rate is 8.26%. This is the sum of the sales tax rates in the state, county, and city. The current sales tax rate in Texas is 6.25%. The County's sales tax is 0%. Corpus Christi's sales tax is 1.38%.
Compare Median Taxes (Based on a $100,000 annual income):
Corpus Christi: $15,009
New York: $21,311
Los Angeles: $24,822
Austin: $15,009
What Salary Do I Need to Live in Corpus Christi?
While there is no set salary in order to live comfortably in Corpus Christi, it is advisable that individuals should not spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. According to a recent study by Zip Recruiter, the average annual salary in Corpus Christi is $49,062, which is not far from the recommended salary.
Given that the median rent for a two-bedroom in Corpus Christi is $1,230, the recommended monthly earnings are $4,000 before taxes. Based on that figure alone, in order to live comfortably in Corpus Christi, a single adult should earn at least $48,000 per year before taxes.
Conclusion
Corpus Christi is a picturesque seaside town with a great history and a promising future. Whether you come to enjoy the beach life, escape the winter snow, or are stationed here with the Army or Navy, you will fall in love with this Texas Gulf Coast treasure.
To discover more about Corpus Christi, check out our posts on Living in Corpus Christi and The Best Neighborhoods in Corpus Christi. Still need assistance with buying a home in Corpus Christi? Reach out to us at BHGRE HomeCity today for all the assistance you may need.
FAQs
1. What is Corpus Christi's cost of living compared to other states?
Despite being a decent-sized city, Corpus Christi has lower living costs than the national average in every category. If the cost of living in a major city is one of your most important deciding factors when looking for dream locations to live in, Corpus Christi is an excellent option.
Perhaps you've already narrowed down your list of Texas cities to live in. Corpus Christi is also a more affordable option when compared to other Texas cities. Corpus Christi is 6.8% less expensive than San Antonio and 11.1% lower than in Dallas, TX
2. What is Corpus Christi’s population?
The current metro area population of Corpus Christi in 2023 is 350,000, a 0.57% increase from 2021. The metro area population of Corpus Christi in 2021 was 348,000, a 0.29% increase from 2020. The metro area population of Corpus Christi in 2020 was 347,000, a 0.58% increase from 2019.
3. Is the cost of living expensive in Corpus Christi?
The cost of living in Corpus Christi, TX is 1% higher than the state average and 7% lower than the national average. Corpus Christi, TX housing is 15% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 30% pricier.
When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 6% less in Corpus Christi than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 6% less. However, it is important to note that the cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, average salary, and the real estate market of that area.
4. What to Do in Corpus Christi
Thanks to the various beaches and bays in Corpus Christi, there is always a sunny, outdoor adventure waiting to happen. Residents love exploring Padre Island, a federally protected national shore that looks like a postcard, taking in the views from the Miradors, and exploring the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center.
When you need a break from the Texas sun, you’ve got plenty of attractions to choose from, like the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington Museum (also a set used in the movie Pearl Harbor!), or even the Selena Museum—the “Queen of Tejano music” lived in Corpus Christi and is one of the city’s most beloved residents.
