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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Louisville is 37% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,069/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 15%
$64,731/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 25%
$221,500 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 45%
$1,118/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 26%
627,210
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $16,056/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 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

Louisville vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Brownsville?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Brownsville?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $16,056/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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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More Comparisons

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