Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Orange, CA (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Orange

California
206

Brownsville is 74% cheaper than Orange.

$906/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 149%
$48,675/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 140%
$122,400 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 636%
$830/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 188%
188,023
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,346/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $16,152/year.

Median household income is $68,270/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Orange — common questions

Is Brownsville or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Orange?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,346/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Orange?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $68,270/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Brownsville and Orange

Brownsville vs. Akron Brownsville vs. Tempe Brownsville vs. Providence Brownsville vs. Paradise Brownsville vs. Glendale Brownsville vs. Mobile Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City