Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Fremont is 415% more expensive than Brownsville.

$2,905/mo ↑ 221%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 69%
$176,350/yr ↑ 262%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 72%
$1,289,400 ↑ 953%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 91%
$3,000/mo ↑ 261%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 72%
228,518
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,999/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $23,988/year.

Median household income is $127,675/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Fremont or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Brownsville?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $1,999/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Brownsville?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $127,675/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Brownsville details →

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