Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Huntsville is 44% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,078/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 16%
$70,778/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 31%
$263,100 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 53%
$1,046/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 21%
218,814
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $22,103/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Huntsville or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Brownsville?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Brownsville?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $22,103/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Brownsville details →

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