Located along the shores of Lewisville Lake, Highland Village is widely regarded as one of the safest and most family-oriented suburbs in Denton County.
With its scenic trails, lake access, and highly rated schools, it offers an elevated suburban lifestyle that naturally comes with higher living costs. Understanding these financial demands is essential for families planning a move to the area.
This guide breaks down the real expenses behind living in Highland Village, helping you understand the Highland Village TX cost of living and build a practical and realistic budget for your family’s future.
What Is the Average Highland Village, TX Cost of Living
The cost of living in Highland Village is significantly higher than the national average due to premium housing prices and elevated property taxes. While Texas has no state income tax, families must budget carefully for mortgages, insurance, and school taxes to comfortably manage expenses in this desirable suburban community.
Analyzing Highland Village Housing Market Trends 2026
The Premium for Space
Housing is the most significant expense category, with a housing cost index of roughly 200 to 205, indicating that home prices are nearly double the national average.
This reflects ongoing demand for family-sized properties, strong school district appeal, and the long-term stability of the local real estate market.
The Highland Village housing market trends 2026 reflect continued high demand for spacious single-family homes, often featuring large lots, mature trees, and access to parks and lakefront amenities.
Inventory remains relatively tight, which keeps home values strong and competitive. Families moving here are typically prioritizing lifestyle quality, school access, and long-term stability over affordability alone.
Investment Stability
Despite higher entry prices, homes in Highland Village have historically shown strong value retention.
Even during broader market slowdowns, the area tends to hold pricing better than many surrounding suburbs due to limited land availability and consistent demand from families.
For many buyers, this makes Highland Village not just a lifestyle choice but a long-term financial investment.
Understanding Lewisville ISD Property Tax Rates 2026
The Cost of Excellent Schools
A major driver of local expenses is property taxation, particularly those tied to the highly regarded Lewisville Independent School District (Lewisville ISD). The Lewisville ISD property tax rates for 2026 make up a significant portion of annual homeowner costs.
These taxes directly fund schools, programs, facilities, and extracurricular opportunities that consistently rank among the strongest in North Texas, which is a key reason families choose the area.
Exemptions and Relief
New homeowners should apply immediately for the Texas Homestead Exemption. This reduces the taxable value of a primary residence and helps offset rising assessments in Denton County.
Additional exemptions for seniors and disabled homeowners may also provide further relief, depending on eligibility.
Planning Your Denton County Suburban Family Budget
The latest cost of living index for Highland Village in 2026 shows an overall level of approximately 140, meaning the city is about 40% more expensive than the U.S. national average.
This elevated cost is primarily driven by housing, with strong demand for spacious suburban homes and limited inventory keeping prices consistently above broader regional norms.
Income Requirements
To comfortably live in the area, families typically need a strong dual-income household. A realistic Denton County suburban family budget must account for:
- Higher mortgage payments due to premium home values
- Escrowed property taxes
- Homeowners insurance (often above state averages)
- Maintenance for larger properties
While exact income needs vary, many households in the area earn above national median levels to sustain long-term financial stability.
Commuting Costs
Transportation costs sit slightly below or near average at around 93 to 95 due to car-dependent suburban commuting patterns.
Although Highland Village offers a peaceful suburban setting, many residents commute to major employment hubs such as Dallas, Fort Worth, or nearby business centers in Plano.
Families should factor in:
- Fuel costs for daily commuting
- Vehicle maintenance due to highway mileage
- Potential toll road expenses across North Texas corridors
Proximity to DFW International Airport also benefits frequent travelers, though occasional travel-related transportation costs may still apply.
Everyday Highland Village, Texas Living Expenses
Utilities and Climate Control
Utilities typically index around 115 to 116, influenced by high summer cooling demands in North Texas. Summers are hot and humid, and this significantly impacts utility costs.
While electricity in Texas is deregulated and can be competitively priced, cooling a larger suburban home during peak summer months (June through September) can lead to noticeably higher bills.
Families often see seasonal spikes in electricity usage, making energy efficiency an important consideration when choosing a home.
Groceries and Lifestyle
Groceries remain close to the national baseline at approximately 97 to 100 cost of living index, but lifestyle spending can be higher due to local amenities.
Upscale shopping and dining at locations like The Shops at Highland Village can increase discretionary spending for families who enjoy frequent dining out or retail shopping.
Healthcare and other services generally range between 110 and 119, reflecting regional pricing conditions.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Expense Category | Highland Village vs National Average | Estimated Budget Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage) | Very High (+60%) | Major Budget Focus |
| Property Taxes | High (State Baseline) | Rolled into Escrow |
| Utilities | Moderate to High (Summer) | Seasonal Fluctuations |
| Groceries | Average (+2%) | Standard |
| Transportation | Moderate (+10%) | Commuter Dependent |
Key Takeaway: A High-Value Suburban Investment
The Highland Village, TX, cost of living reflects a premium suburban environment shaped by strong schools, low crime, and high-quality amenities.
By understanding Highland Village housing market trends 2026 and factoring in Lewisville ISD property tax rates 2026, families can build a realistic Denton County suburban family budget that supports long-term financial health.
Overall, Highland Village, Texas, living expenses are higher than average, but they come with access to one of the most desirable residential communities in North Texas—balancing cost with quality of life in a meaningful way.
Understanding the true cost of living in Highland Village is essential for any family planning a move to North Texas.
If you’re considering buying or selling in the area and want personalized guidance on budgeting, housing, or current market conditions, professional support can make the process much smoother.
For expert assistance, call 469-803-9041 or email costimhinn@gmail.com to get tailored insights on your next move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highland Village more expensive than Flower Mound?
Generally, yes. Both are upscale, but Highland Village often has slightly higher home prices due to limited inventory and lake access.
How much should I budget for summer utilities?
Many families see a noticeable increase during peak summer months, often 20–40% higher than winter bills, depending on home size and efficiency.
What are the current Lewisville ISD property tax rates for 2026?
Rates vary slightly by year and district adjustments, but they remain a major portion of total property taxes in the area.
Does Texas’ lack of income tax offset property taxes?
For many households, yes. However, high property values in Highland Village can still result in significant annual tax bills.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods?
Smaller homes and older subdivisions tend to offer relatively lower entry prices compared to newer lake-adjacent developments.
Are there MUDs or PIDs in Highland Village?
Most of the city does not rely heavily on MUDs, but some specific developments may include additional district assessments.
How long is the commute to DFW Airport?
Typically, 20–30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and route selection.