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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Austin is 148% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,655/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 45%
$91,461/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 47%
$512,700 ↑ 319%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 76%
$1,747/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 52%
967,862
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $42,786/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Austin or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Brownsville?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Brownsville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $42,786/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Brownsville details →

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