Texas · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Laredo, TX

The median household in Laredo, TX earns $63,915 a year ($5,326/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,161/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $46,440 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 13% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$63,915$5,326 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,161HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)87.0-13% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential TX
Census Population257,619Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Laredo, TX

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,161Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.8%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$46,440To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,598At 30% of $63,915
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Laredo, TX

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Laredo, TX MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Laredo, TX
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$956$11,472$38,24017.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment$962$11,544$38,48018.1%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,161$13,932$46,44021.8%
3-Bedroom Home$1,499$17,988$59,96028.1%
4-Bedroom Home$1,551$18,612$62,04029.1%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Laredo, TX →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Laredo, TX

Based on the local median household income of $63,915/year ($5,326/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,663/moRent ($1,161 2-BR), utilities (~$143/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,598/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 87.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,065/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Texas

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Texas state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$63,915
$25,000$130,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$63,915
Net 84%
Fed 9%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$53,536After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,461Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,059Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate16.2%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,490 / yr
Texas state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,890 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Texas with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Laredo, TX

What is the median household income in Laredo, TX?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Laredo, TX is $63,915 per year (approximately $5,326 per month).

What is the average rent in Laredo, TX?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Laredo, TX are $956 for a studio, $962 for 1 bedroom, $1,161 for 2 bedrooms, $1,499 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,551 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Laredo, TX compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Laredo, TX is 87.0 (13% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Laredo, TX?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,161/month) in Laredo, TX requires a minimum gross household income of $46,440 per year ($3,870 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Laredo, TX?

For a typical household earning the median income of $63,915/year ($5,326/month) in Laredo, TX, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,663/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,598/month to discretionary spending, and $1,065/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Laredo, TX?

Residential electricity rates in Texas average 15.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $143 per month.