Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Plano is 144% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,792/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 49%
$108,649/yr ↑ 123%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 55%
$440,600 ↑ 260%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 72%
$1,829/mo ↑ 120%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 55%
287,339
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $59,974/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Plano or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Brownsville?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Brownsville?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $59,974/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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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