Balcones Heights, TX vs West Livingston, TX

Balcones Heights, TX and West Livingston, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1% difference in their overall index. Balcones Heights scores 79 while West Livingston scores 78 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 $1,175/month in West Livingston — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Balcones Heights has cheaper rent, West Livingston actually has lower median home values ($111,400 vs $214,300).

Median household income in Balcones Heights is $28,082 compared to $57,600 in West Livingston (-51.2%). West Livingston offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Balcones Heights spend roughly 39.6% of their income on rent, more than the 24.5% in West Livingston. The West Livingston ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.