Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Norfolk is 65% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,246/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 27%
$64,017/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 24%
$271,900 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 55%
$1,366/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 39%
235,037
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $15,342/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Norfolk or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Brownsville?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Brownsville?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $15,342/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Brownsville

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Brownsville vs. Akron Brownsville vs. Tempe Brownsville vs. Providence Brownsville vs. Paradise Brownsville vs. Glendale Brownsville vs. Mobile