Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Buffalo is 13% more expensive than Brownsville.

$989/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 8%
$48,050/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↑ 1%
$152,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 20%
$929/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 11%
276,397
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $625/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Buffalo or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Brownsville?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Brownsville?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $625/year higher in Brownsville.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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