Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Philadelphia is 57% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,323/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 32%
$60,698/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 20%
$232,400 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 47%
$1,233/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 33%
1,582,432
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $12,023/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Brownsville?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Brownsville?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $12,023/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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