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Cost of Living in ZIP 78596

Is it better to rent or buy in ZIP 78596? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

← Back to ZIP 78596 Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$54,219
$874/mo

Median in area: $874

$103,866

Median in area: $103,866

$20,773

If you Rent

$949 /mo
Base Rent$874
Est. Utilities$75
% of Income21.0%
Pre-tax Residual$3,569

If you Buy

$938 /mo
P&I (7.071%)$557
Taxes & Ins$306
Est. Utilities$75
% of Income20.8%
Pre-tax Residual$3,580

Compare Nearby Areas

See how ZIP 78596 stacks up against neighboring areas.

ZIP78599
$933/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in ZIP 78596?›

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in ZIP 78596. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $949, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $938 per month (a difference of $11).

How much do utilities cost in ZIP 78596?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in ZIP 78596 is approximately $75. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in ZIP 78596?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in ZIP 78596 without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $37,960 per year.