Texas · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Port Arthur, TX

The median household in Port Arthur, TX earns $46,354 a year ($3,863/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,103/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $44,120 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 10% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$46,354$3,863 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,103HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)90.0-10% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate15.9¢per kWh · EIA Residential TX
Census Population55,828Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Port Arthur, TX

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,103Monthly market rent
Share of gross income28.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$44,120To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,159At 30% of $46,354
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Port Arthur, TX

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Port Arthur, TX
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$892$10,704$35,68023.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$898$10,776$35,92023.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,103$13,236$44,12028.6%
3-Bedroom Home$1,446$17,352$57,84037.4%
4-Bedroom Home$1,732$20,784$69,28044.8%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Port Arthur, TX →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Port Arthur, TX

Based on the local median household income of $46,354/year ($3,863/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,931/moRent ($1,103 2-BR), utilities (~$143/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,159/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 90.0 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$773/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Texas

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Texas state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$46,354
$15,000$95,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$46,354
Net 85%
Fed 7%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$39,425After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,285Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,516Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate15%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,382 / yr
Texas state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,546 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Texas with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Port Arthur, TX

What is the median household income in Port Arthur, TX?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Port Arthur, TX is $46,354 per year (approximately $3,863 per month).

What is the average rent in Port Arthur, TX?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Port Arthur, TX are $892 for a studio, $898 for 1 bedroom, $1,103 for 2 bedrooms, $1,446 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,732 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Port Arthur, TX compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Port Arthur, TX is 90.0 (10% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Port Arthur, TX?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,103/month) in Port Arthur, TX requires a minimum gross household income of $44,120 per year ($3,677 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Port Arthur, TX?

For a typical household earning the median income of $46,354/year ($3,863/month) in Port Arthur, TX, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,931/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,159/month to discretionary spending, and $773/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Port Arthur, TX?

Residential electricity rates in Texas average 15.9¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $143 per month.