Highlands, TX vs Mount Vernon, TX
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Mount Vernon is 20% cheaper than Highlands. With a cost index of 77 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Mount Vernon to Highlands should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Highlands is $1,364/month compared to $954/month in Mount Vernon — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mount Vernon is more affordable at $176,900 median vs $191,400.
Median household income in Highlands is $54,524 compared to $67,097 in Mount Vernon (-18.7%). Mount Vernon offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Highlands spend roughly 30% of their income on rent, more than the 17.1% in Mount Vernon.
Climate-wise, Highlands is notably warmer with an average of 71.1°F compared to 66.6°F in Mount Vernon. Highlands receives more rainfall at 55.6" per year compared to 42.1" in Mount Vernon.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)