Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Brownsville is 37% cheaper than Billings.

$906/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 21%
$48,675/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 48%
$122,400 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 155%
$830/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 42%
188,023
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $23,180/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Billings — common questions

Is Brownsville or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Billings?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Billings?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $23,180/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Billings details →

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