Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Montgomery is 19% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,059/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 14%
$55,687/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 13%
$148,500 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 18%
$1,023/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 19%
198,440
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $7,012/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Montgomery or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Brownsville?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Brownsville?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $7,012/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Brownsville details →

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