Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Brownsville is 7% cheaper than Topeka.

$906/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↑ 5%
$48,675/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 15%
$122,400 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$130,600 ↑ 7%
$830/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↑ 12%
188,023
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,227/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Topeka — common questions

Is Brownsville or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Topeka?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Topeka?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $7,227/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Topeka details →

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