Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Port Isabel?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Port Isabel, you need to earn at least $31,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $42,601, which means the typical resident is $10,761 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 5,137

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$557	$1,857	$22,280	$-20,321
1 Bedroom	$661	$2,203	$26,440	$-16,161
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$796	$2,653	$31,840	$-10,761
3 Bedroom	$971	$3,237	$38,840	$-3,761
4 Bedroom	$1,194	$3,980	$47,760	+$5,159

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Port Isabel's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$42,601

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$31,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,761

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Port Isabel

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Port Isabel's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,065

Studio

$557/mo

1 BR

$661/mo

2 BR

$796/mo

3 BR

$971/mo

4 BR

$1,194/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Port Isabel.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Port Isabel's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Port Isabel

Living in Port Isabel is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $10,761 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Port Isabel typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Port Isabel, a studio at $557/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $971/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $38,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $47,760 would position you well — though many residents in Port Isabel manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Port Isabel, Texas.

With a total population of 5,137, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,076 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $31,840 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

2,076

Active civilian employees in Port Isabel

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Port Isabel

What salary do I need to live in Port Isabel, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Port Isabel under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $31,840. The median household income in Port Isabel is $42,601.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Port Isabel on $42,601?

The affordability verdict for Port Isabel is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.4%, meaning median earners have a $10,761 surplus.

What is the average rent in Port Isabel compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Port Isabel is $661/month. With a median household income of $42,601, residents spend approximately 22.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Port Isabel?

A studio in Port Isabel rents for approximately $557/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,280 to afford this.

Is Port Isabel considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,761 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Port Isabel is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $31,840 to the local median household income.

How Port Isabel Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements