Garrett, TX vs Port Aransas, TX

The cost of living difference between Garrett, TX and Port Aransas, TX is dramatic. Garrett is 46.1% cheaper than Port Aransas, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Garrett has a cost index of 75 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 Garrett is $958/month compared to $2,226/month in Port Aransas — a 57% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Garrett is more affordable at $127,500 median vs $490,200.

Median household income in Garrett is $76,458 compared to $88,311 in Port Aransas (-13.4%). Port Aransas does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Garrett spend roughly 15% of their income on rent, less than the 30.2% in Port Aransas. The Garrett ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Port Aransas is notably warmer with an average of 75°F compared to 66.9°F in Garrett. Garrett receives more rainfall at 37.7" per year compared to 35.2" in Port Aransas.