Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Baltimore is 56% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,290/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 30%
$59,623/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 18%
$219,300 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 44%
$1,333/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 38%
577,193
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $10,948/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Baltimore or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Brownsville?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Brownsville?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $10,948/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Texas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Brownsville details →

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