Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Brownsville is 26% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$906/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 11%
$48,675/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$48,536/yr ≈ Same
$122,400 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 93%
$830/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 25%
188,023
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $139/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Brownsville or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $139/year higher in Brownsville.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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