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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Brownsville is 39% cheaper than Mesquite.

$906/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 55%
$48,675/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 48%
$122,400 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 85%
$830/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 67%
188,023
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $23,168/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Brownsville or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Mesquite?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Mesquite?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $23,168/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Mesquite details →

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