Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Brownsville is 26% cheaper than Fargo.

$906/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↑ 1%
$48,675/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↑ 36%
$122,400 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 120%
$830/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↑ 20%
188,023
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,354/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over North Dakota's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Fargo — common questions

Is Brownsville or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Fargo?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Fargo?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $17,354/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Dakota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Fargo details →

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