Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Lincoln is 43% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,045/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 13%
$69,991/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 30%
$248,200 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 51%
$1,140/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 27%
291,932
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
0%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $21,316/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Nebraska's 6.64% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Lincoln or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Brownsville?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Brownsville?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $21,316/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Texas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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