Commerce, TX vs Port Aransas, TX

The cost of living difference between Commerce, TX and Port Aransas, TX is dramatic. Commerce is 47.5% cheaper than Port Aransas, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Commerce has a cost index of 73 while Port Aransas sits at 140, 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 Commerce is $902/month compared to $2,226/month in Port Aransas — a 60% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Commerce is more affordable at $124,800 median vs $490,200.

Median household income in Commerce is $43,051 compared to $88,311 in Port Aransas (-51.3%). While Port Aransas is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Commerce spend roughly 25.1% of their income on rent, less than the 30.2% in Port Aransas. The Commerce ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.