Port Arthur, TX vs Waco, TX

Port Arthur is moderately more affordable than Waco, with a 14.3% lower cost of living index. Port Arthur scores 70 compared to 82 for Waco, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Waco can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Port Arthur is $996/month compared to $1,098/month in Waco — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Port Arthur is more affordable at $96,900 median vs $199,600.

Median household income in Port Arthur is $45,752 compared to $51,468 in Waco (-11.1%). The higher salaries in Waco partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Port Arthur spend roughly 26.1% of their income on rent, more than the 25.6% in Waco.