Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Brownsville is 33% cheaper than Newport News.

$906/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 42%
$48,675/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 37%
$122,400 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 99%
$830/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 60%
188,023
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $18,043/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Newport News — common questions

Is Brownsville or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Newport News?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Newport News?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $18,043/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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