Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Boston is 226% more expensive than Brownsville.

$2,093/mo ↑ 131%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 57%
$94,755/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 49%
$710,400 ↑ 480%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 83%
$2,176/mo ↑ 162%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 62%
663,972
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,187/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $14,244/year.

Median household income is $46,080/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Boston or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Brownsville?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $1,187/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Brownsville?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $46,080/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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