Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Brownsville is 42% cheaper than Rochester.

$906/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 45%
$48,675/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 80%
$122,400 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 135%
$830/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 60%
188,023
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $39,092/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Rochester — common questions

Is Brownsville or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Rochester?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Rochester?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $39,092/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Rochester details →

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