Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Rochester is 13% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,039/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 13%
$46,628/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↑ 4%
$120,600 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$122,400 ↑ 1%
$1,009/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 18%
209,720
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $2,047/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Rochester or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Brownsville?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Brownsville?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $2,047/year higher in Brownsville.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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