Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Brownsville is 17% cheaper than Cedar Rapids.

$906/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↑ 2%
$48,675/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 39%
$122,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 45%
$830/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 31%
188,023
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,184/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Brownsville or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $19,184/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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