Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Tucson is 41% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,079/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 16%
$54,546/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 11%
$242,200 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 49%
$1,076/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 23%
543,348
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $5,871/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Tucson or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Brownsville?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Brownsville?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $5,871/year higher in Tucson.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Brownsville details →

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