Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Phoenix is 102% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,458/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 38%
$77,041/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 37%
$381,900 ↑ 212%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 68%
$1,430/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 42%
1,624,832
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $28,366/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Phoenix or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Brownsville?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Brownsville?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $28,366/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Brownsville details →

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