Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Brownsville is 60% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$906/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 114%
$48,675/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 183%
$122,400 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 232%
$830/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 137%
188,023
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,033/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $12,396/year.

Median household income is $88,836/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Brownsville or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $1,033/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $88,836/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Sugar Land details →

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