Port Aransas, TX is located in Nueces and San Patricio Counties. It is near Corpus Christi and Mustang Island. A lot of people come into Port Aransas during the summer where tourists and locals alike enjoy different activities to escape the Texas heat.
In the last few years, Port Aransas has been consistently voted as one of the best beach destinations in Texas. This makes it an even more popular place for people to visit and a great place to live. This is a highly desirable area on the coast for people who want to be near the water on a daily basis. Like any popular travel destination, real estate is thriving. You can choose from an apartment or a luxury house here on the beach instead of just a condo.
We’ll be talking about the cost of living in Port Aransas, TX. Cost of living refers to the costs that a consumer incurs in a specific area. The cost of living is a key factor used to determine a consumer’s purchasing power and standard of living. The cost of living is also used as a means of comparison between areas. If you are moving to Port Aransas, TX, or just want to know if your paycheck will stretch as far as you hope, it might be helpful to look at the cost of living first.
Cost of Living Index in Port Aransas
The cost of living in Port Aransas is lower than the national average. The cost of living in a city in a locality affects the overall cost of living. The cost of living in Port Aransas, TX is lower than the average cost of living in the state of Texas and lower than the nationwide average. The most popular cities in Texas include Texas, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
In this blog, we’ll be using the cost of living in the index where 100 represents the national average and anything above 100 is more expensive than the national average and anything below 100 is cheaper than it. Port Aransas has an overall score of 104.9 which is 4.2% higher than the national average of 100. Take note that the breakdown for this cost of living is composed of different factors which we will tackle below.
How Much Does Port Aransas Housing Cost?
Based on the cost of living index, the housing cost in Port Aransas scored 130.2, a 30.2% increase from the national average. Let’s talk dive into more numbers about Port Aransas’ Home Prices and Rent.
Median Home Prices in Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a small coastal town in Texas. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and fresh seafood but has higher prices than other nearby towns like Corpus Christi, Ingleside, or Rockport. The average home value is $567,810, up 15.3% over the past year. It may seem high but there are different factors to take into account when it comes to finding a home for sale in Port Aransas. Take a look at the chart below for a visual representation of the different coastal cities in the United States.
Median Rent Prices in Port Aransas
The median rent prices are higher than other cities, but you’ll have access to some of the best views on the Gulf Coast. Rent prices in Port Aransas can depend on where you’ll be staying. To give you an idea of the cost of rent prices in Port Aransas, a studio room will cost $1106 and a one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere around $1223.
For a two-bedroom apartment, it can cost $1983 and a three-bedroom apartment will cost you $1983. If you’re looking to expand to a four-bedroom home, the average rate for this type of apartment is $2314.
Utility Costs in Port Aransas
If you are moving to Port Aransas, Texas, there are a few things you should know about the utilities in your new town. Gas prices here can vary but typically will be around $2.47 per gallon cheaper than the national average. The electricity rates in Port Aransas are not as low as gas prices but still cost less than most major cities at an average of $196.17 a month.
If you do opt for natural gas service with Oncor or CenterPoint Energy then it will only cost $0.45 per therm. Since Port Aransas is located near the Gulf Coast, the area can be prone to natural disasters therefore home insurance can cost at a premium rate versus the national average. Homeowners’ insurance is roughly $948 to $1,301.
Grocery Costs in Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a small town and if you’re moving here, you might be wondering how much groceries cost. Grocery prices in Port Aransas are good when compared to other places in the area. Moving to Port Aransas from out of town? You’ll be happy to know that groceries are fairly affordable in the area. Port Aransas has grocery prices that are 15% lower than the national average according to the site PayScale. Here is an idea of the cost:
- Loaf of Bread – $2.83
- Gallon of Milk – $1.65
- Dozen of Eggs – $1.54
- Bag of Potatoes – $2.54
- Bunch of Bananas – $2.85
Dining Costs in Port Aransas
People moving to Port Aransas might want to know about the cost of food in this city. While there is a range of prices, it’s not uncommon for restaurants in Port Aransas to charge around $40-$50/person (without alcohol). There are some cheaper options that can be found if you’re willing to search just a little bit.
There are many places that will offer fresh seafood at prices comparable to what you would find elsewhere. If seafood isn’t your thing then there are plenty of other options as well – from traditional Mexican cuisine to steaks and burgers. You can also always head down to the local grocery store for some quick and easy take-out if you’re just not feeling up to cooking. Port Aransas has plenty of places where you can enjoy casual and formal dining with your loved ones.
Public Transportation Costs in Port Aransas
In order for someone to live in Port Aransas without their own car or bike, there are two major forms of transit available: buses and taxis. There is also a city ferry that operates 24/7 and provides free transportation service. There are different bus routes available too such as The Flexi B – Route 90, The Padre Island Connection on Route 65, and the Port Aransas Express. Regular fares for adults start at 75¢ while a premium service fare costs $1.25. You can also get a 7-day pass for $7.50 and a 31-day pass for $30.00.
Besides the bus and ferry, Uber and Lyft are also available within the area to get around the city with ease. Prices will depend on your pick-up and drop-off locations.
Healthcare Costs in Port Aransas
Port Aransas is one of the popular destinations for retirees. According to SeniorCare, 19% of the population in Port Aransas are seniors. A majority of seniors live with their family while 26% of those seniors are living alone.
Along with the general population, seniors are known to be in need of more healthcare. The cost of healthcare in Port Aranas is 1.1% higher than the national average. Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs of healthcare in Port Aransas including a veterinarian visit for your pets:
- Doctor’s Visit – $102.52
- Dentist Visit – $88.07
- Optometrist – $96.06
- Vet Visit – $49.51
Entertainment in Port Aransas
There are many places to go out and have fun, but they can be pricey though there are some free and low-cost activities you can do on the island.
Some of these activities include going to the beach for swimming, hiking, or biking at Mustang Island State Park, water sports like surfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and more on Padre Island National Seashore, you can also bird-watch in the area.
If you’re thinking of going to the movies, a movie ticket in Port Aransas can cost up to $8.56 while a game of bowling can cost $14.00.
Salaries in Port Aransas
According to employment marketplace ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary in Port Aransas is $53,719 or $26 an hour.
If we simply calculate that, it will be $4,477 a month or $1,033 a week. The average salary in Port Aransas is 11.6% lower than the national average.
Port Aransas is a wonderful city and a paradise with amazing food and the best people around. Whether it’s your first time visiting or not, there are plenty of things to do in this town that will keep you entertained for days on end. Now go forth and explore what life in Port Aransas is like!
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