Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Brownsville is 11% cheaper than Springfield.

$906/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↑ 4%
$48,675/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 35%
$122,400 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$155,200 ↑ 27%
$830/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 17%
188,023
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,862/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Springfield — common questions

Is Brownsville or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Springfield?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Springfield?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $16,862/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Springfield details →

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