Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Lexington is 52% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,101/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 18%
$67,631/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 28%
$272,100 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 55%
$1,160/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 28%
321,122
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $18,956/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Lexington or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Brownsville?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Brownsville?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $18,956/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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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