Hays, TX vs Star Harbor, TX

Star Harbor is moderately more affordable than Hays, with a 11.6% lower cost of living index. Hays scores 127 compared to 114 for Star Harbor, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Hays can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hays is $2,150/month compared to $1,809/month in Star Harbor — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Star Harbor is more affordable at $310,700 median vs $330,400.

Median household income in Hays is $89,750 compared to $95,536 in Star Harbor (-6.1%). Star Harbor offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hays spend roughly 28.7% of their income on rent, more than the 22.7% in Star Harbor.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (68.4°F vs 67°F). Star Harbor receives more rainfall at 39.3" per year compared to 35.6" in Hays.