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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Brownsville is 18% cheaper than McAllen.

$906/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 12%
$48,675/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 24%
$122,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 42%
$830/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↑ 20%
188,023
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $11,490/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs McAllen — common questions

Is Brownsville or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and McAllen?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or McAllen?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $11,490/year higher in McAllen.
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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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