Mesquite, TX vs Port Arthur, TX

The cost of living difference between Mesquite, TX and Port Arthur, TX is dramatic. Port Arthur is 38.9% cheaper than Mesquite, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Mesquite has a cost index of 97 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 Mesquite is $1,407/month compared to $996/month in Port Arthur — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Port Arthur is more affordable at $96,900 median vs $226,500.

Median household income in Mesquite is $71,843 compared to $45,752 in Port Arthur (+57%). While Mesquite is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Mesquite spend roughly 23.5% of their income on rent, less than the 26.1% in Port Arthur.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (68°F vs 69.9°F). Port Arthur receives more rainfall at 62.1" per year compared to 38.3" in Mesquite.