Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Boise is 107% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,359/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 33%
$81,308/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 40%
$456,000 ↑ 273%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 73%
$1,337/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 38%
235,701
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $32,633/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Boise or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Brownsville?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Brownsville?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $32,633/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Texas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Brownsville details →

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