Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Mesa is 98% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,478/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 39%
$78,779/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 38%
$364,300 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 66%
$1,404/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 41%
507,478
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $30,104/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Mesa or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Brownsville?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $572/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Brownsville?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $30,104/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Brownsville details →

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