Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Madison is 91% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,364/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 34%
$76,983/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 37%
$346,900 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 65%
$1,476/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 44%
275,568
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $28,308/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Madison or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Brownsville?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Brownsville?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $28,308/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Texas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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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