Brownwood, TX vs Port Arthur, TX

Brownwood, TX and Port Arthur, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Brownwood scores 68 while Port Arthur scores 70 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brownwood is $829/month compared to $996/month in Port Arthur — a 17% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Brownwood has cheaper rent, Port Arthur actually has lower median home values ($96,900 vs $123,700).

Median household income in Brownwood is $47,821 compared to $45,752 in Port Arthur (+4.5%). Brownwood offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Brownwood spend roughly 20.8% of their income on rent, less than the 26.1% in Port Arthur.