If you’re like Maria, who pays $975 for a one-bedroom near downtown and spends another $350 monthly on utilities, internet and groceries, you’ll see how Laredo’s costs add up fast. You’ll get average rent figures, typical unit sizes, and realistic monthly essentials so you can plan a budget that actually works. Keep going to learn which neighborhoods save you the most and what income you’ll need to live comfortably.

Average Rent and Typical Unit Sizes in Laredo

Although rents vary by size and age, you’ll typically pay about $993 a month for an apartment in Laredo. That Average Rent In Laredo reflects one-bedroom apartment rates roughly $920–$992 and two-bedroom unit ranges near $1,122–$1,128.

You’ll find typical apartment sizes around 657–667 square feet; larger new-construction units command higher averages due to added amenities. Studios and smaller units can drop below market, sometimes under $700, but availability’s limited.

If you prefer house rentals, expect wider variability: reported rents span about $483 up to $2,950, with median/average house rents commonly between $1,220 and $1,850 depending on quality and source.

Use the average monthly figures to set a baseline, then adjust for unit size, age, and amenity level. In short, plan with the $993 apartment benchmark, factor in whether you need a one-bedroom apartment or a two-bedroom unit, and budget more for newer, larger apartments or higher-end house rentals.

Monthly Essentials: Utilities, Internet, Groceries and Transport

You’ll typically add a few hundred dollars to your rent for utilities and internet, since Laredo’s utility costs are slightly below the U.S. average (Utilities score ~98.1) while internet follows national pricing—check local providers for the best bundles.

Expect groceries to run a bit cheaper than many U.S. cities (Grocery score ~92.2), so weekly food spending is often lower depending on household size and habits.

Factor in slightly higher transportation costs (Transportation score ~103.3) for fuel, insurance, maintenance, or transit when you budget monthly essentials. It’s important to remember that building a house can often be more expensive than buying an existing home, which could impact your overall budget in the area.

Typical Utility Costs

Start by budgeting your month around housing and the essentials: rent is the biggest line item (about $993 on average for an apartment), while utilities, internet, groceries and transport together typically add another $600–$1,000 depending on habits.

For typical utility costs in Laredo, expect combined utilities—electricity, water, gas—around $100–$200 monthly utilities for a small household; heavy AC use pushes the higher end. Add home internet at about $40–$70 per month for standard broadband.

Those figures mean your non-rent essentials will often fall between $200 and $270 on the low end (minimal AC, basic internet) and $260–$370 or more with higher electricity use and faster internet plans. Use these ranges to plan cash flow realistically.

Grocery and Transport

After you account for rent and basic utilities, factor in groceries and transport to complete your monthly essentials budget.

Utilities in Laredo sit near the national norm with a Cost of Living Index utilities score around 98.1, so expect typical electricity, water and gas bills similar to the U.S. average. Internet runs about $40–$70/month depending on provider and speed.

Groceries are somewhat cheaper (Grocery score ≈92.2), so your food spending will likely be a bit below U.S. norms.

Transportation is moderately costlier (Transportation score ≈103.3); budget extra for fuel, maintenance and limited public transit options if you commute.

For overall monthly expenses covering Utilities, Internet, groceries and transportation, plan roughly $300–$600 for a single person.

Neighborhood Cost Breakdown: Most Affordable to Most Expensive Areas

Although overall rents in Laredo trend below Texas and national averages, costs still vary by neighborhood. You’ll find average rent figures show one-bedrooms near $920–$992 and two-bedrooms around $1,122–$1,128 citywide, so many areas are cheaper than state and national norms.

The most affordable neighborhoods include The Dorel (about $1,156/month, ~668 sq ft) and San Isidro Monarch (about $1,228/month, ~626 sq ft), where availability is higher and rental prices are generally easier to secure. Expect smaller units and older buildings in lower-cost pockets; average apartment size across the city is roughly 657 sq ft.

At the top end, newer construction and amenity-rich areas — including some listings in San Isidro Monarch and The Dorel — push rents up, with larger homes reaching $1,200–$2,950. Use these neighborhood trends to target searches: prioritize affordable neighborhoods for more options and lower rents, or plan for premiums where size and amenities matter.

How Much Income You Need to Live Comfortably in Laredo

To cover average rent in Laredo (~$992/month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you’d need about $3,306 per month (≈ $39,672/year).

For a single person you’ll see recommended minimums around $34,000/year and for a family about $36,720/year, but those figures rise when you factor utilities, groceries and transport.

Using a conservative 50/30/20-style budget, renters aiming for more comfortable coverage should target a gross salary in the low-to-mid $70,000s, with one- versus two-bedroom choices changing the exact number. Additionally, it’s important to consider operational expenses that may affect your overall budget and financial planning.

Monthly Income Needed

If you want to keep rent at or below the commonly recommended 30% of income, you’ll need roughly $3,306 per month (about $39,672 per year) to cover Laredo’s average rent of $993 and typical housing costs.

To live comfortably as a renter, GoBankingRates/BLS estimates put annual renter expenses near $36,888, which translates to a monthly income requirement closer to $6,148 if you follow a 50/30/20 framework (about $73,776 annually).

Local reports suggest single-person minimums around $34,000 yearly and family minimums near $36,720.

Because Laredo’s average rent is roughly 39% below the national average, your monthly income needs will generally be lower than in many U.S. cities, making housing more affordable in Laredo.

Budget Breakdown by Household

Compare your options by household type to see what income actually gets you comfortable in Laredo: following the 30% rent guideline, a household paying the city’s average rent of about $993 would need roughly $3,310 per month ($39,720/year), while local BestPlaces-style estimates put a single person’s annual needs near $34,000 and a family’s near $36,720 (about $2,833 and $3,060 per month, respectively); note that a stricter 50/30/20 interpretation used by GoBankingRates estimates a renter would need roughly $73,776/year to cover discretionary spending as well as housing.

You can use this quick table to compare monthly budget and household expenses for renters aiming to live comfortably in Laredo, where cost of living and average rent stay below national averages.

Market Trends and What’s Driving Rent Changes

While Laredo’s rents sit well below national and Texas‑metro averages — about $993/month in September 2024 versus $1,629 nationally and roughly $1,350–$1,570 in Houston and Dallas — the market is showing mixed but modest movement: year‑over‑year changes range from a small decline (~0.2%, about $2) in some data windows to a 4.5% increase in others.

You’ll find average rent remains affordable relative to major metros, but market trends vary by product and place. New construction and amenity‑rich units are lifting rent prices at the top end, while smaller, older apartments (around 657–667 sq ft) keep options affordable.

You should watch neighborhoods in Laredo where income and household growth are strongest — those areas see upward pressure on rents. Overall, forecasts predict gradual increases, yet Laredo rental market rents should stay below Houston and Dallas. Repair costs for school computers can also impact overall budgeting for families and students in the area.

Use this data to set realistic budget expectations and prioritize neighborhoods that match your cost and space needs.

Tips for Finding the Best Rental Deals and New Construction Options

Because timing and targeted searches matter, focus your hunt on one-bedrooms near Laredo’s average rent (~$993) and smaller units (~657 sq ft) to maximize affordability while tracking new-construction listings for move-in promotions; check direct-owner posts and cross‑listings on Realtor.com, Zillow, HotPads and RentCafe, have ID/pay stubs and a deposit ready, and prioritize areas with higher availability like The Dorel and San Isidro Monarch where rents commonly run $1,156–$1,228.

Narrow filters to one-bedroom apartments and set alerts for price drops or introductory offers on new construction rentals. Compare total monthly cost including utilities and HOA fees; don’t assume modern = cheaper long-term.

Contact listed managers and owners directly to confirm availability and ask about waived fees or short-term concessions. Bring complete documentation to finalize leases quickly.

Track neighborhood availability trends weekly to spot overstocked buildings where landlords are likelier to negotiate, and document communications to strengthen bargaining positions during application. Additionally, consider the potential savings from not needing roadside assistance when evaluating the overall affordability of your rental options.

Budgeting Tools, Resources and Local Assistance

Start by mapping your income against the 30% rent guideline—if you’re aiming for Laredo’s average rent (~$993), you’ll need about $3,310/month (roughly $39,672/year) to stay within that target—then use tools like the local rent-affordability calculator and Apartments.com neighborhood guides to compare one-bedroom (~$920) and two-bedroom (~$1,122) averages while factoring unit size (≈657–667 sq ft).

Map income to the 30% rent rule—about $3,310/month for Laredo—then compare one- and two-bedroom averages and sizes.

Track the rental market on Realtor.com, Zillow, RentCafe and Zumper to spot affordable options and new-construction listings that may justify higher rent with energy savings.

Use spreadsheets or budgeting apps to log move-in fees—security deposit (one month), application fees ($50–$100), move-in fees ($100–$200) and pet fees ($200–$300)—so upfront costs don’t derail savings.

Consult local housing boards, community classifieds or a real estate agent for listings and negotiation tips; renting directly from owners can cut agency fees.

Combine data from the rent affordability calculator with monitored listings to prioritize units that meet both budget and size needs. Additionally, ensure your new living environment is equipped with essential systems like air conditioning, as proper installation can significantly impact your comfort and energy costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cost of Living in Laredo Texas?

Laredo’s cost of living is lower than U.S. average — about 17.8% cheaper. You’ll pay roughly $993/month rent, need around $3,306/month income to afford it, and overall monthly expenses run near $2,800–3,060.

How Much of My Monthly Budget Should Go to Rent?

Spend about 30% of your gross income on rent. That means you’ll target roughly $3,067–$3,740 monthly gross to afford typical one- to two-bedroom rents, while budgeting extra for utilities and housing-related fees.

Is Laredo Ranked the Most Affordable and Livable City in the US?

Yes — GoBankingRates ranked Laredo No.1 for livability and affordability, citing low housing and renter costs. You’ll note their methodology used Zillow, BLS, and a 50/30/20 budget, implying higher-than-average needed incomes.

How Much Is Housing in Texas per Month?

You’ll pay roughly $900–$1,300 monthly for typical Texas rentals — ironic, like finding cowboy boots in a mall. Use $1,200 median for houses, $993 average for apartments; newer units cost noticeably more.

Conclusion

You can confidently control costs in Laredo by combining clear budgeting with cost-conscious choices. With average rent near $993 and monthly essentials adding $300–$600, you’ll plan for roughly $1,300–$1,600 total. Prioritize practical picks: pick perky, pocket-friendly neighborhoods, pursue promotions, andpeyan pad deposits paperwork promptly. Track trends, tap local tools, and tailor your timeline to seize smart savings — steady spending smarts secure a sensible, stable standard of living.