Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Denver is 172% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,770/mo ↑ 95%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 49%
$91,681/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 47%
$586,700 ↑ 379%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 79%
$1,839/mo ↑ 122%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 55%
713,734
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $864/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $10,368/year.

Median household income is $43,006/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Denver or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Brownsville?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $864/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Brownsville?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $43,006/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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