Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Amarillo is 28% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,049/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 14%
$62,469/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 22%
$186,800 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 34%
$1,074/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 23%
200,945
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $13,794/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Amarillo or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Brownsville?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Brownsville?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $13,794/year higher in Amarillo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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.
View Amarillo details → View Brownsville details →

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