Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Brownsville is 52% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$906/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 61%
$48,675/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 31%
$122,400 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 221%
$830/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 86%
188,023
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $15,199/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Brownsville or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $15,199/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Jersey?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Elizabeth details →

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