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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Richmond

California
161

Brownsville is 66% cheaper than Richmond.

$906/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 109%
$48,675/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 85%
$122,400 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 431%
$830/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 143%
188,023
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $989/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $11,868/year.

Median household income is $41,363/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Richmond — common questions

Is Brownsville or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Richmond?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $989/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Richmond?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $41,363/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Richmond details →

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