Denton, TX vs Port Arthur, TX

The cost of living difference between Denton, TX and Port Arthur, TX is dramatic. Port Arthur is 47.8% cheaper than Denton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Denton has a cost index of 103 while Port Arthur sits at 70, 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 Denton is $1,344/month compared to $996/month in Port Arthur — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Port Arthur is more affordable at $96,900 median vs $325,700.

Median household income in Denton is $73,719 compared to $45,752 in Port Arthur (+61.1%). While Denton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Denton spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, less than the 26.1% in Port Arthur.