Cost of Living in Portland, TX

Population 20,369 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

90
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Portland can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $227,000 against $81,944 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 13 miles northwest of Corpus Christi, Portland falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Corpus Christi's $197,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 74
Rent 114

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Portland

The median home value in Portland is $226,900 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,492/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,944/year is 10% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 82.3°F and lows of 63.6°F. Overall, Portland has a cost of living index of 90 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$226,900
26% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$263,760
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,492/mo
14% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,603/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 63.6%
Renter-occupied 36.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,492
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,106/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.2 min
18% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.7%
Carpooled
5.0%
Public transit
1.0%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
7.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$81,944
10% above avg
Per Capita Income
$39,278
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
42% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
Labor Force Participation
63.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.1%
Graduate degree 8.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.7
Male median age 33.2
Female median age 38.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
82.3°F
Avg Low
63.6°F
Annual Precip
31.7"
Annual Snowfall
0.2"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 687277838792949591857670
Low °F 485258647175767673655650
Precip" 1.391.292.282.043.383.562.542.755.423.132.031.93
Snow" 0.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Portland, TX?

Portland has a cost index of 90 (100 = national average). It is 10% below the national average.

What is average rent in Portland, TX?

The median gross rent in Portland is $1,492 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Portland?

The median home value in Portland is $226,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Portland?

The median household income in Portland is $81,944 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Portland, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portland is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Portland, TX affordable?

Portland is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 90 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Portland?

Portland has average high temperatures of 82.3°F and average lows of 63.6°F. Annual precipitation is 31.7". Average annual snowfall is 0.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Portland at a Glance

Population
20,369
Median Income
$81,944
Home Value
$226,900
Median Rent
$1,492/mo
Unemployment
2.8%
Avg High Temp
82.3°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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