Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Anaheim is 128% more expensive than Brownsville.

$2,082/mo ↑ 130%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 56%
$90,583/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 46%
$771,700 ↑ 530%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 84%
$2,165/mo ↑ 161%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 62%
344,553
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,176/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $14,112/year.

Median household income is $41,908/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Anaheim or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Brownsville?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $1,176/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Brownsville?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $41,908/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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.
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