Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Torrance, CA (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Torrance

California
218

Brownsville is 75% cheaper than Torrance.

$906/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 144%
$48,675/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 132%
$122,400 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 747%
$830/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 177%
188,023
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,308/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $15,696/year.

Median household income is $64,430/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Torrance — common questions

Is Brownsville or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Torrance?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $1,308/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Torrance?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $64,430/year higher in Torrance.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Torrance details →

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