Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

New York is 207% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,779/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 49%
$79,713/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 39%
$751,700 ↑ 514%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 84%
$1,837/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 55%
8,516,202
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $873/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $10,476/year.

Median household income is $31,038/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Brownsville — common questions

Is New York or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Brownsville?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $873/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Brownsville?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $31,038/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Brownsville details →

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