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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Dallas is 80% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,403/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 35%
$67,760/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 28%
$295,300 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 59%
$1,409/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 41%
1,299,553
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $19,085/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Dallas or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Brownsville?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Brownsville?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $19,085/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Brownsville details →

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