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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Brownsville is 77% cheaper than Cambridge.

$906/mo ↓ 67%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 203%
$48,675/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 160%
$122,400 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 750%
$830/mo ↓ 68%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 217%
188,023
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,836/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $22,032/year.

Median household income is $77,794/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Brownsville or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Cambridge?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,836/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Cambridge?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $77,794/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Cambridge details →

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