Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Providence is 45% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,333/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 32%
$66,772/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 27%
$322,800 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 62%
$1,467/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 43%
190,214
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $427/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,124/year.

Median household income is $18,097/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Rhode Island's 5.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Providence or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Brownsville?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $427/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Brownsville?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $18,097/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Texas?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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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