Midland, TX vs Port Arthur, TX

The cost of living difference between Midland, TX and Port Arthur, TX is dramatic. Port Arthur is 43.8% cheaper than Midland, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Midland has a cost index of 101 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 Midland 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 $298,600.

Median household income in Midland is $91,169 compared to $45,752 in Port Arthur (+99.3%). While Midland is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Midland spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, less than the 26.1% in Port Arthur.

Climate-wise, Port Arthur is notably warmer with an average of 69.9°F compared to 65.8°F in Midland. Port Arthur receives more rainfall at 62.1" per year compared to 13.5" in Midland.