Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Atlanta is 126% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,617/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 44%
$81,938/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 41%
$420,600 ↑ 244%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 71%
$1,695/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 51%
499,287
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $711/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $8,532/year.

Median household income is $33,263/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Atlanta or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Brownsville?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $711/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Brownsville?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $33,263/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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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