Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Worcester is 93% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,415/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 36%
$67,544/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 28%
$339,500 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 64%
$1,521/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 45%
205,501
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $18,869/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Worcester or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Brownsville?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Brownsville?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $18,869/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Brownsville details →

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