Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Lubbock is 39% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,137/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 20%
$60,487/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 20%
$197,900 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 38%
$1,179/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 30%
261,078
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $11,812/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Lubbock or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Brownsville?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Brownsville?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $11,812/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lubbock and Brownsville

Lubbock vs. Fort Wayne Lubbock vs. St. Petersburg Lubbock vs. Toledo Lubbock vs. Laredo Lubbock vs. Reno Lubbock vs. Irving Brownsville vs. Akron Brownsville vs. Tempe Brownsville vs. Providence Brownsville vs. Paradise Brownsville vs. Glendale Brownsville vs. Mobile