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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Arlington is 76% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,389/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 35%
$73,519/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 34%
$276,400 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 56%
$1,420/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 42%
394,769
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $483/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,796/year.

Median household income is $24,844/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Arlington or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Brownsville?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $483/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Brownsville?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $24,844/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Brownsville

Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans Brownsville vs. Akron Brownsville vs. Tempe Brownsville vs. Providence Brownsville vs. Paradise Brownsville vs. Glendale Brownsville vs. Mobile