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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Brownsville is 45% cheaper than Midland.

$906/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 55%
$48,675/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 87%
$122,400 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 144%
$830/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 77%
188,023
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $42,494/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Midland — common questions

Is Brownsville or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Midland?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Midland?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $42,494/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Midland details →

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