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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Brownsville is 29% cheaper than Pasadena.

$906/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 33%
$48,675/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 32%
$122,400 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$193,600 ↑ 58%
$830/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↑ 37%
188,023
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $15,595/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Brownsville or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Pasadena?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Pasadena?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $15,595/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Pasadena details →

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