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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Garland is 78% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,525/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 41%
$74,717/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 35%
$248,900 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 51%
$1,445/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 43%
245,298
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $619/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $7,428/year.

Median household income is $26,042/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Garland or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Brownsville?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $619/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Brownsville?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $26,042/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Brownsville details →

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