Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Chicago is 85% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,380/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 34%
$75,134/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 35%
$315,200 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 61%
$1,502/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 45%
2,707,648
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $26,459/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Chicago or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Brownsville?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Brownsville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $26,459/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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.
View Chicago details → View Brownsville details →

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