Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Fort Worth is 80% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,412/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 36%
$76,602/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 36%
$277,300 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 56%
$1,489/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 44%
941,311
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $27,927/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth and Brownsville?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Brownsville?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $27,927/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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.
View Fort Worth details → View Brownsville details →

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