Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Brownsville is 28% cheaper than Killeen.

$906/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↑ 27%
$48,675/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↑ 20%
$122,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$196,000 ↑ 60%
$830/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↑ 42%
188,023
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $9,664/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Killeen — common questions

Is Brownsville or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Killeen?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Killeen?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $9,664/year higher in Killeen.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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