Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Brownsville is 21% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$906/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↑ 4%
$48,675/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↑ 13%
$122,400 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 78%
$830/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 17%
188,023
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,501/year higher in Las Cruces. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over New Mexico's 5.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Brownsville or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $6,501/year higher in Las Cruces.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New Mexico?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Las Cruces details →

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