Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Brownsville

Texas

Albuquerque is 26% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,085/mo ↑ 20%

Median Rent

$906/mo ↓ 16%

$65,604/yr ↑ 35%

Median Income

$48,675/yr ↓ 26%

$266,700 ↑ 118%

Home Value

$122,400 ↓ 54%

$1,149/mo ↑ 38%

Owner Costs

$830/mo ↓ 28%

562,488

Population

188,023

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.25%

0.67%

Property Tax

1.6%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

22.3%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $16,929/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Brownsville cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Brownsville?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $179/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Brownsville?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $16,929/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Brownsville?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.