Cost of Living in Livingston, Texas
Livingston is one of the more affordable lake towns in East Texas — a big draw for retirees and budget-minded families who want waterfront recreation without a waterfront price tag. The cost of living runs below the national average, housing is inexpensive, and there's no state income tax, all just over an hour from Houston.
Here's a realistic look at what it costs to live in Livingston.
Housing
Housing is Livingston's biggest affordability advantage. Home prices here run well below state and national averages — reported median values have been around $108,000, among the lowest of any town in the region, though lakefront and newer homes command more. The market includes modest in-town homes, rural acreage in the surrounding Piney Woods, and a wide range of lake-area properties from cabins to waterfront houses.
That affordability, combined with the lake lifestyle, is exactly why Livingston is such a popular retirement and second-home destination. As across Texas, property taxes are the trade-off for low home prices, but overall housing costs remain a fraction of what you'd pay in a Texas metro.
Everyday Costs
Beyond housing, Livingston's everyday expenses are reasonable. The overall cost of living index has sat around 86 against a national benchmark of 100 — roughly 9 to 14 percent below average depending on the measure — with housing the main driver of the savings. Groceries, services, and routine costs are typical for rural East Texas.
As a county seat, Livingston also offers the practical conveniences — grocery stores, healthcare, retail, and services — that many small lake towns lack, so residents don't have to drive far for daily needs. You get low costs without sacrificing basic amenities, a combination that's hard to beat.
Taxes and the Bottom Line
Texas has no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for retirees and working households alike. The state relies on property and sales taxes instead, so Livingston homeowners should plan for property taxes even with low home values.
The overall picture: Livingston offers genuine value — inexpensive housing, a below-average cost of living, no state income tax, and a lake-and-forest setting just over an hour from Houston. For retirees, lake lovers, and anyone seeking an affordable place to put down roots, it's one of the better deals in East Texas.
FAQ: Cost of Living in Livingston
Yes. Livingston's overall cost of living has run roughly 9 to 14 percent below the national average, driven mainly by inexpensive housing. Combined with no state income tax and a lake setting, it's a popular and affordable choice, especially for retirees.
Home prices in Livingston run well below state and national averages, with reported median values around $108,000 — among the most affordable in the region — though lakefront and newer homes cost more. Options range from in-town homes to rural acreage and lake properties.
Livingston combines inexpensive housing, a below-average cost of living, and no state income tax with the recreation and lifestyle of Lake Livingston — all just over an hour north of Houston. As a county seat, it also offers everyday amenities many small lake towns lack.
Like the rest of Texas, Livingston has property taxes that serve as the trade-off for the state having no income tax. Even so, with such low home values, overall housing costs remain a fraction of what you'd pay in a Texas metro.
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