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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

McKinney is 156% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,841/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 51%
$120,273/yr ↑ 147%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 60%
$439,500 ↑ 259%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 72%
$2,101/mo ↑ 153%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 60%
202,314
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $935/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $11,220/year.

Median household income is $71,598/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Brownsville — common questions

Is McKinney or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Brownsville?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $935/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Brownsville?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $71,598/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Brownsville details →

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