Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Independence, MO (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Brownsville is 19% cheaper than Independence.

$906/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 17%
$48,675/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 22%
$122,400 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$166,400 ↑ 36%
$830/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 26%
188,023
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $10,805/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Independence — common questions

Is Brownsville or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Independence?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Independence?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $10,805/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Independence details →

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