Laredo, TX, US
Border city with Mexican culture, international trade, and the cheapest living in Texas.
Overview
Laredo is a city in TX with a population of 264,069. Border city with Mexican culture, international trade, and the cheapest living in Texas. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The population skews young, with a median age of 29.7.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Laredo vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 8.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $42,000
- Unemployment: 4.2%
- Population: 264,069
Climate
- Sunny Days: 227/year
- Summer High: 100°F
- Winter Low: 47°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Housing
- Median Home: $185,000
- 1BR Rent: $900/mo
Cost of Living
Laredo's cost of living index is 88.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Laredo | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5% |
| Housing | 78.4 | 100 | -21.6% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $185,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $900/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,125/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $123 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Laredo:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $125 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $14 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $47 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $341 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Laredo scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Laredo has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67°F | 47°F | 2.5" |
| April | 85°F | 62°F | 2.8" |
| July | 100°F | 75°F | 1.5" |
| October | 80°F | 65°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Laredo faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Gulf Coast frequently affected by hurricanes.
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Coastal flooding and flash floods.
Frequent drought conditions.
Dust storms in western regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 8.25%
- Property Tax: ~2.09% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Laredo per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Laredo is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Laredo, TX, US?
The cost of living index in Laredo is 88.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Laredo?
The median home price in Laredo is $185,000. The housing index is 78.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Laredo is approximately $900/mo.
Does Laredo, TX have income tax?
Laredo is in TX, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Laredo?
Laredo enjoys approximately 227 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 100°F, while winter lows can drop to around 47°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.