Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Los Angeles is 246% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,879/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 52%
$80,366/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 39%
$879,500 ↑ 619%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 86%
$2,055/mo ↑ 148%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 60%
3,857,897
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $973/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $11,676/year.

Median household income is $31,691/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Brownsville?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $973/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Brownsville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $31,691/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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