Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Durham is 94% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 36%
$79,234/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 39%
$355,300 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 66%
$1,434/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 42%
288,465
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $30,559/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Durham or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Brownsville?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Brownsville?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $30,559/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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