Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Tacoma is 133% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,597/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 43%
$83,857/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 42%
$454,600 ↑ 271%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 73%
$1,747/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 52%
220,482
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $35,182/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Tacoma or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Brownsville?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Brownsville?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $35,182/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Brownsville details →

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