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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Irving is 89% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,517/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 40%
$79,641/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 39%
$287,300 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 57%
$1,521/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 45%
255,036
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $30,966/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Irving or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Brownsville?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Brownsville?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $30,966/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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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