Cost of Living in Port Arthur, TX
Population 55,779 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $45,752, median household incomes in Port Arthur land roughly 39% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 7.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 20 miles southeast of Beaumont, Port Arthur falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Beaumont's $159,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Port Arthur
The median home value in Port Arthur is $96,900 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $996/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,752/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 79.6°F and lows of 60.2°F. Overall, Port Arthur has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 64 | 67 | 73 | 79 | 86 | 91 | 93 | 93 | 90 | 82 | 72 | 66 |
| Low °F | 44 | 48 | 53 | 60 | 67 | 73 | 75 | 74 | 71 | 61 | 52 | 46 |
| Precip" | 5.32 | 3.09 | 3.63 | 3.92 | 4.70 | 6.70 | 6.85 | 6.89 | 6.69 | 5.47 | 3.89 | 4.98 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Port Arthur, TX?
Port Arthur has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Port Arthur, TX?
The median gross rent in Port Arthur is $996 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Port Arthur?
The median home value in Port Arthur is $96,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Port Arthur?
The median household income in Port Arthur is $45,752 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Port Arthur, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Port Arthur is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Port Arthur, TX affordable?
Yes, Port Arthur is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Port Arthur?
Port Arthur has average high temperatures of 79.6°F and average lows of 60.2°F. Annual precipitation is 62.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Port Arthur at a Glance
- Population
- 55,779
- Median Income
- $45,752
- Home Value
- $96,900
- Median Rent
- $996/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 79.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
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