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Cost of Living in ZIP 79221

Is it better to rent or buy in ZIP 79221? 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.

$61,516
$709/mo

Median in area: $709

$86,000

Median in area: $86,000

$17,200

If you Rent

$869 /mo
Base Rent$709
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income17.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,257

If you Buy

$853 /mo
P&I (7.341%)$474
Taxes & Ins$219
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income16.6%
Pre-tax Residual$4,274

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in ZIP 79221?

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in ZIP 79221. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $869, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $853 per month (a difference of $16).

How much do utilities cost in ZIP 79221?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in ZIP 79221 is approximately $160. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in ZIP 79221?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in ZIP 79221 without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $34,760 per year.