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Cost of Living in The Lakes

Is it better to rent or buy in The Lakes? 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.

$81,685
$947/mo

Median in area: $947

$278,400

Median in area: $278,400

$55,680

If you Rent

$1,374 /mo
Base Rent$947
Est. Utilities$427
% of Income20.2%
Pre-tax Residual$5,433

If you Buy

$2,202 /mo
P&I (6.971%)$1,477
Taxes & Ins$298
Est. Utilities$427
% of Income32.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,605

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in The Lakes?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in The Lakes. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,374, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,202 per month (a difference of $828).

How much do utilities cost in The Lakes?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in The Lakes is approximately $427. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in The Lakes?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in The Lakes without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $54,960 per year.