Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Brownsville is 17% cheaper than Shreveport.

$906/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↑ 8%
$48,675/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$48,465/yr ≈ Same
$122,400 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$178,100 ↑ 46%
$830/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↑ 19%
188,023
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $210/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Brownsville or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Shreveport?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Shreveport?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $210/year higher in Brownsville.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with rent of $980/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Shreveport details →

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