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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Houston is 63% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,313/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 31%
$62,894/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 23%
$253,400 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 52%
$1,316/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 37%
2,300,419
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $14,219/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Houston or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Brownsville?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Brownsville?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $14,219/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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