Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Newark is 85% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,330/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 32%
$48,416/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$48,675/yr ≈ Same
$337,800 ↑ 176%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 64%
$1,419/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 42%
307,188
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $259/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Newark or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Brownsville?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Brownsville?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $259/year higher in Brownsville.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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