Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Memphis is 26% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,123/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 19%
$51,211/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 5%
$157,100 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 22%
$1,087/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 24%
629,063
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $2,536/year higher in Memphis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Memphis or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Brownsville?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Brownsville?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $2,536/year higher in Memphis.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Brownsville details →

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