Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Gilbert is 174% more expensive than Brownsville.

$2,028/mo ↑ 124%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 55%
$121,351/yr ↑ 149%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 60%
$518,600 ↑ 324%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 76%
$1,908/mo ↑ 130%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 56%
271,118
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,122/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $13,464/year.

Median household income is $72,676/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Gilbert or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Brownsville?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $1,122/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Brownsville?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $72,676/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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