Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Portland is 156% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,596/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 43%
$88,792/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 45%
$557,600 ↑ 356%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 78%
$1,771/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 53%
642,715
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $40,117/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Portland or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Brownsville?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $690/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Brownsville?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $40,117/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Texas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Brownsville details →

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