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Cost of Living in Le Mars

Is it better to rent or buy in Le Mars? 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.

$74,390
$925/mo

Median in area: $925

$211,111

Median in area: $211,111

$42,222

If you Rent

$1,098 /mo
Base Rent$925
Est. Utilities$173
% of Income17.7%
Pre-tax Residual$5,101

If you Buy

$1,556 /mo
P&I (6.992%)$1,123
Taxes & Ins$260
Est. Utilities$173
% of Income25.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,643

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Le Mars?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Le Mars. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,098, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,556 per month (a difference of $458).

How much do utilities cost in Le Mars?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Le Mars is approximately $173. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Le Mars?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Le Mars without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $43,920 per year.