Eagle Lake, TX vs Valley Mills, TX

Eagle Lake, TX and Valley Mills, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Eagle Lake scores 76 while Valley Mills scores 77 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 Eagle Lake is $1,106/month compared to $1,150/month in Valley Mills — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Eagle Lake is more affordable at $110,700 median vs $129,700.

Median household income in Eagle Lake is $71,684 compared to $42,188 in Valley Mills (+69.9%). Eagle Lake offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Eagle Lake spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, less than the 32.7% in Valley Mills. The Eagle Lake ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.