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Cost of Living in Clear Lake

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

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$71,938
$940/mo

Median in area: $940

$140,500

Median in area: $140,500

$28,100

If you Rent

🔑
$1,163 /mo
Base Rent$940
Est. Utilities$223
% of Income19.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,832

If you Buy

🏠
$1,252 /mo
P&I (6.994%)$747
Taxes & Ins$282
Est. Utilities$223
% of Income20.9%
Pre-tax Residual$4,742

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Clear Lake?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Clear Lake. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,163, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,252 per month (a difference of $89).

How much do utilities cost in Clear Lake?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Clear Lake is approximately $223. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Clear Lake?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Clear Lake without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,520 per year.