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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Brownsville is 58% cheaper than Richardson.

$906/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 101%
$48,675/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 98%
$122,400 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 231%
$830/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 116%
188,023
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $919/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $11,028/year.

Median household income is $47,582/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Richardson — common questions

Is Brownsville or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Richardson?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $919/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Richardson?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $47,582/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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