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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

San Bernardino is 102% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,433/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 37%
$63,988/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 24%
$384,900 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 68%
$1,478/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 44%
221,774
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $15,313/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 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

San Bernardino vs Brownsville — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Brownsville?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Brownsville?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $15,313/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Brownsville details →

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