Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Brownsville is 12% cheaper than Mobile.

$906/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↑ 14%
$48,675/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↑ 5%
$122,400 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$170,300 ↑ 39%
$830/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↑ 22%
188,023
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $2,415/year higher in Mobile. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Mobile — common questions

Is Brownsville or Mobile 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 Mobile?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Mobile?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $2,415/year higher in Mobile.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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