Real cost of living: a month in Comanche, Texas

Draft. All numbers are estimates — verify before you go.

Comanche is a ranching town of about 4,000 people in Central Texas. Nobody comes here for nightlife. People come for big skies, quiet roads, and a pace that makes you notice the mockingbirds.

Estimated monthly costs

• Room at our home: about $400/month
• Groceries: roughly $250–$400 if you cook
• Car or rides: realistically you need a car; budget $300–$700 for a rental or gas
• Eating out a few times: $60–$150
• Phone and extras: $40–$80

Estimated total: about $1,050–$1,700/month, mostly depending on transport.

A local routine

Saturday trade days and the farmers market, Sunday at one of the many small churches, weekday mornings at a café on the courthouse square. Ask someone about the pecan harvest and you'll have a friend for an hour.

Honest downsides

You'll want a car. Summers are hot. Fast internet varies by street — check before you commit to remote work.