Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Riverside is 167% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,812/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 50%
$88,575/yr ↑ 82%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 45%
$542,100 ↑ 343%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 77%
$1,880/mo ↑ 127%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 56%
316,241
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $906/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $10,872/year.

Median household income is $39,900/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Riverside or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Brownsville?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $906/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Brownsville?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $39,900/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Brownsville details →

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