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Cost of Living in ZIP 78557

Is it better to rent or buy in ZIP 78557? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$55,686
$909/mo

Median in area: $909

$164,213

Median in area: $164,213

$32,843

If you Rent

$1,012 /mo
Base Rent$909
Est. Utilities$103
% of Income21.8%
Pre-tax Residual$3,629

If you Buy

$1,423 /mo
P&I (7.06%)$879
Taxes & Ins$441
Est. Utilities$103
% of Income30.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,217

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in ZIP 78557?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in ZIP 78557. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,012, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,423 per month (a difference of $411).

How much do utilities cost in ZIP 78557?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in ZIP 78557 is approximately $103. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in ZIP 78557?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in ZIP 78557 without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $40,480 per year.