Balcones Heights, TX vs East Mountain, TX

Balcones Heights, TX and East Mountain, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.5% difference in their overall index. Balcones Heights scores 79 while East Mountain scores 82 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Balcones Heights is $927/month compared to $1,185/month in East Mountain — a 22% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Balcones Heights has cheaper rent, East Mountain actually has lower median home values ($176,800 vs $214,300).

Median household income in Balcones Heights is $28,082 compared to $66,250 in East Mountain (-57.6%). While East Mountain is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Balcones Heights spend roughly 39.6% of their income on rent, more than the 21.5% in East Mountain. The East Mountain ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.