Cost of Living in Port Lavaca, TX
Population 11,410 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Port Lavaca offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $121,000 — costs less than 1.9 times median household income of $65,395, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Port Lavaca is about 70 miles northeast of Corpus Christi, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Corpus Christi's $197,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Port Lavaca
The median home value in Port Lavaca is $121,000 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,024/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,395/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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 80.1°F and lows of 63.5°F. Overall, Port Lavaca has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% 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 | 65 | 68 | 73 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 90 | 84 | 74 | 68 |
| Low °F | 46 | 50 | 57 | 63 | 71 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 73 | 64 | 55 | 48 |
| Precip" | 3.25 | 1.89 | 2.71 | 2.67 | 3.86 | 4.55 | 3.67 | 3.91 | 5.88 | 4.33 | 3.39 | 2.98 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Port Lavaca, TX?
Port Lavaca has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in Port Lavaca, TX?
The median gross rent in Port Lavaca is $1,024 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Port Lavaca?
The median home value in Port Lavaca is $121,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Port Lavaca?
The median household income in Port Lavaca is $65,395 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Port Lavaca, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Port Lavaca is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Port Lavaca, TX affordable?
Yes, Port Lavaca is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Port Lavaca?
Port Lavaca has average high temperatures of 80.1°F and average lows of 63.5°F. Annual precipitation is 43.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Port Lavaca at a Glance
- Population
- 11,410
- Median Income
- $65,395
- Home Value
- $121,000
- Median Rent
- $1,024/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 80.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs