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Cost of Living in Harlingen

Is it better to rent or buy in Harlingen? 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.

$55,823
$927/mo

Median in area: $927

$137,828

Median in area: $137,828

$27,566

If you Rent

$998 /mo
Base Rent$927
Est. Utilities$71
% of Income21.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,654

If you Buy

$1,173 /mo
P&I (6.999%)$734
Taxes & Ins$368
Est. Utilities$71
% of Income25.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,479

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Harlingen?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Harlingen. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $998, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,173 per month (a difference of $175).

How much do utilities cost in Harlingen?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Harlingen is approximately $71. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Harlingen?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Harlingen without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $39,920 per year.