Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Wichita is 20% more expensive than Brownsville.

$960/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 6%
$63,072/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 23%
$179,500 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 32%
$994/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 16%
396,488
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $14,397/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Wichita or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Brownsville?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Brownsville?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $14,397/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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