Plainview, TX vs Port Arthur, TX

Plainview, TX and Port Arthur, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.7% difference in their overall index. Plainview scores 67 while Port Arthur scores 70 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Plainview is $811/month compared to $996/month in Port Arthur — a 19% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Plainview has cheaper rent, Port Arthur actually has lower median home values ($96,900 vs $107,800).

Median household income in Plainview is $45,991 compared to $45,752 in Port Arthur (+0.5%). Plainview offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Plainview spend roughly 21.2% 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 61.4°F in Plainview. Port Arthur receives more rainfall at 62.1" per year compared to 18.3" in Plainview.