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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Brownsville is 24% cheaper than Abilene.

$906/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 22%
$48,675/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 29%
$122,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 46%
$830/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 34%
188,023
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $14,045/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Abilene — common questions

Is Brownsville or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Abilene?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Abilene?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $14,045/year higher in Abilene.
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 Brownsville or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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