Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Richmond is 81% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,314/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 31%
$62,671/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 22%
$328,100 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 63%
$1,374/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 40%
227,595
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $13,996/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Richmond or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Brownsville?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Brownsville?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $13,996/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Brownsville details →

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