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Cost of Living in Hays County

Is it better to rent or buy in Hays County? 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.

$99,780
$1,719/mo

Median in area: $1,719

$432,011

Median in area: $432,011

$86,402

If you Rent

🔑
$1,866 /mo
Base Rent$1,719
Est. Utilities$147
% of Income22.4%
Pre-tax Residual$6,449

If you Buy

🏠
$3,128 /mo
P&I (6.958%)$2,290
Taxes & Ins$691
Est. Utilities$147
% of Income37.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,187

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Hays County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyGuadalupe County, TX
$1,763/mo
countyCaldwell County, TX
$1,258/mo
countyBlanco County, TX
$1,139/mo
countyComal County, TX
$1,611/mo
countyTravis County, TX
$1,898/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Hays County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Hays County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,866, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,128 per month (a difference of $1,262).

How much do utilities cost in Hays County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Hays County is approximately $147. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Hays County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Hays County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $74,640 per year.