The Real Cost of Living in Burleson
Everyone asks what the house costs. The better question is what it costs to LIVE in the house — every month, after the mortgage.
So let's do it on a real number. One $400,000 home in Burleson, every bill I can pin down, using 2026 rates.
The sample home
- $400,000 home inside Burleson city limits
- Johnson County side of town
- Burleson ISD
- Owner-occupied, with a homestead exemption
Property taxes: about $642 a month
| Line | Taxable value | 2026 rate per $100 | Yearly tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burleson ISD | $260,000 (after $140K homestead) | $1.2552 | $3,264 |
| City of Burleson | $380,000 (after 5% homestead) | $0.7298 | $2,773 |
| Johnson County | $400,000 | $0.3670 | $1,468 |
| Johnson County lateral road | $400,000 | $0.0500 | $200 |
| Total | about $7,705 a year |
That's about $642 a month. Before you panic: Texas has no state income tax. This is where the state makes it up.
An illustration, not a quote. Your real bill depends on which county, which school district, and any special district on the property. If you're 65 or older, the school exemption goes up by another $60,000. I break the whole thing down in Burleson property taxes, explained.
Homeowners insurance: about $291 a month
The Texas average premium for 2025 was $3,489 a year, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. Hail and wind are why. Your number will depend on your roof, your deductible and the house itself.
Get an insurance quote BEFORE your option period ends. Not after.
Electricity: about $186 a month
The average Texas household spends about $186 a month on electricity. Summer bills run higher — our highs average about 95°F in July and August.
In much of Burleson you shop for your own electric plan. In co-op areas, you don't get to choose. Ask which one serves the house.
Water, sewer and trash: about $134 a month
At City of Burleson rates, using 6,000 gallons a month:
- Water: $18.01 base + $33.00 usage = $51.01
- Sewer: $21.76 base + $36.24 usage = $58.00
- Garbage and recycling: $25.11 plus tax
Water a big yard all summer and that number climbs.
The monthly total
| Bill | Per month |
|---|---|
| Property taxes | ~$642 |
| Homeowners insurance | ~$291 |
| Electricity | ~$186 |
| Water, sewer, trash | ~$134 |
| Total, before mortgage | ~$1,253 |
Add your principal and interest, plus HOA dues if the neighborhood has them.
The line item new construction buyers miss
Some newer communities carry a special district — a PID or MMD — that adds an assessment to your tax bill. Chisholm Summit has a Public Improvement District, and Tallgrass will have a Municipal Management District. Two homes at the same price can carry DIFFERENT monthly payments. Always ask for the full tax rate, not just the price.
Bottom line
Burleson is still more affordable than a lot of DFW. But a $400,000 house is a roughly $1,250-a-month habit BEFORE the mortgage. Budget for the whole thing, and you'll love living here.
Want me to run these numbers on a specific house? Send me the address. Book a call.
* Header image is an artist’s illustration.
Sources
- Johnson County truth-in-taxation rates
- Burleson ISD tax rate
- Texas Comptroller: exemptions
- TDI: homeowners insurance market
- Choose Texas Power: average electric bill
- City of Burleson utility rates
