Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Brownsville is 40% cheaper than Elgin.

$906/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 39%
$48,675/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 81%
$122,400 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 106%
$830/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 81%
188,023
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $39,641/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Elgin — common questions

Is Brownsville or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Elgin?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Elgin?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $39,641/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Elgin details →

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