Calvert, TX vs South Padre Island, TX

The cost of living difference between Calvert, TX and South Padre Island, TX is dramatic. Calvert is 39.7% cheaper than South Padre Island, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Calvert has a cost index of 69 while South Padre Island sits at 114, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Calvert is $904/month compared to $1,421/month in South Padre Island — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Calvert is more affordable at $114,100 median vs $498,800.

Median household income in Calvert is $77,669 compared to $61,578 in South Padre Island (+26.1%). Calvert offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Calvert spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, less than the 27.7% in South Padre Island.