Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Union County

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

← Back to Union County Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$66,904
$1,024/mo

Median in area: $1,024

$301,568

Median in area: $301,568

$60,314

If you Rent

🔑
$1,174 /mo
Base Rent$1,024
Est. Utilities$150
% of Income21.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,401

If you Buy

🏠
$2,024 /mo
P&I (7.007%)$1,606
Taxes & Ins$268
Est. Utilities$150
% of Income36.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,551

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Union County stacks up against neighboring areas.

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Union County?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Union County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,174, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,024 per month (a difference of $850).

How much do utilities cost in Union County?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Union County is approximately $150. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Union County?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Union County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,960 per year.