Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Brownsville is 66% cheaper than Tempe.

$906/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 79%
$48,675/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 60%
$122,400 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 245%
$830/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 87%
188,023
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $28,968/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Tempe — common questions

Is Brownsville or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Tempe?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Tempe?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $28,968/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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