Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Little Rock is 37% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,067/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 15%
$60,583/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 20%
$221,200 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 45%
$1,099/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 24%
202,739
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $11,908/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Little Rock 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 Little Rock and Brownsville?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Brownsville?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $11,908/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Texas?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Brownsville details →

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