Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Brownsville is 61% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$906/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 98%
$48,675/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 190%
$122,400 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 292%
$830/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 142%
188,023
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $92,678/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Brownsville or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $92,678/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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