Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Waco, TX (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Brownsville is 25% cheaper than Waco.

$906/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 21%
$48,675/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↑ 6%
$122,400 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 63%
$830/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 32%
188,023
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $2,793/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Waco — common questions

Is Brownsville or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Waco?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Waco?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $2,793/year higher in Waco.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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