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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Brownsville is 61% cheaper than Allen.

$906/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 107%
$48,675/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 165%
$122,400 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 251%
$830/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 151%
188,023
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $971/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $11,652/year.

Median household income is $80,455/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Allen — common questions

Is Brownsville or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Allen?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $971/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Allen?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $80,455/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Allen details →

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