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Cost of Living in ZIP 79042

Is it better to rent or buy in ZIP 79042? 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.

$63,487
$1,110/mo

Median in area: $1,110

$155,625

Median in area: $155,625

$31,125

If you Rent

$1,384 /mo
Base Rent$1,110
Est. Utilities$274
% of Income26.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,907

If you Buy

$1,414 /mo
P&I (6.966%)$825
Taxes & Ins$315
Est. Utilities$274
% of Income26.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,876

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in ZIP 79042?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in ZIP 79042. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,384, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,414 per month (a difference of $30).

How much do utilities cost in ZIP 79042?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in ZIP 79042 is approximately $274. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in ZIP 79042?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in ZIP 79042 without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $55,360 per year.