Cost of Living in Port Isabel, TX

With a cost of living index of 65, Port Isabel, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 35% cheaper than the national average and 22% below the Texas state average of 88. Port Isabel is a smaller community of 5,098 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Port Isabel's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $843 (36% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $120,900 (60% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Port Isabel is $50,775, which is 32% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Port Isabel. The area sees an average annual temperature of 74.8°F, with summers averaging 85°F and winters around 63°F. Annual rainfall totals 23.3 inches spread over roughly 73 days.

Everyday prices in the Brownsville-Harlingen, TX (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.