Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Indianapolis is 37% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,112/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 19%
$62,995/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 23%
$207,000 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 41%
$1,124/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 26%
882,043
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $14,320/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Brownsville?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Brownsville?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $14,320/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Texas?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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