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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Glendale is 160% more expensive than Brownsville.

$2,095/mo ↑ 131%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 57%
$84,262/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 42%
$1,043,900 ↑ 753%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 88%
$2,212/mo ↑ 167%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 62%
192,270
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,189/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $14,268/year.

Median household income is $35,587/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 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

Glendale vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Glendale or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Brownsville?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $1,189/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Brownsville?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $35,587/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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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