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Cost of Living in ZIP 78726

Is it better to rent or buy in ZIP 78726? 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.

$127,668
$1,928/mo

Median in area: $1,928

$726,678

Median in area: $726,678

$145,336

If you Rent

$2,097 /mo
Base Rent$1,928
Est. Utilities$169
% of Income19.7%
Pre-tax Residual$8,542

If you Buy

$4,990 /mo
P&I (6.808%)$3,793
Taxes & Ins$1,028
Est. Utilities$169
% of Income46.9%
Pre-tax Residual$5,649

Compare Nearby Areas

See how ZIP 78726 stacks up against neighboring areas.

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in ZIP 78726?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in ZIP 78726. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,097, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,990 per month (a difference of $2,893).

How much do utilities cost in ZIP 78726?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in ZIP 78726 is approximately $169. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in ZIP 78726?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in ZIP 78726 without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $83,880 per year.