how difficult is it to put a timing belt and water pump on a 96 civic ex?

 

Its not that bad if you have the proper tools & experience.
Getting the crank pulley off can be a bitch & require a special tool sometimes or a huge impact gun & compressor which 90% of shops don't have.

Try finding a local mechanic to do the work if you are not confident. If you are curious as to how its done, purchase or look at a haynes manual at discount/autozone.