Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Virginia Beach is 117% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,649/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 45%
$90,685/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 46%
$366,300 ↑ 199%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 67%
$1,704/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 51%
457,066
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $743/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $8,916/year.

Median household income is $42,010/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Brownsville?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $743/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Brownsville?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $42,010/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Brownsville

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis Brownsville vs. Akron Brownsville vs. Tempe Brownsville vs. Providence Brownsville vs. Paradise Brownsville vs. Glendale Brownsville vs. Mobile