Cost of Living Comparison for Brownsville, TX
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Brownsville's cost of living index is 80 — 20% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Brownsville local data
How Brownsville Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Brownsville stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Brownsville, TX | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $160,000 | $420,800 | -62.0% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $825 | $1,713 | -51.8% |
| Median Household Income | $40,200 | $74,580 | -46.1% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.80% | 1.10% | +63.6% |
| Cost of Living Index | 80 | 100 | -20.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Brownsville Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 430,000
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg Commute
- 21 min
- Median Age
- 29.8
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 16.2x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,880
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Texas Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Brownsville
What is the median home price in Brownsville, TX?
The median home price in Brownsville is $160,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Brownsville?
Median monthly rent in Brownsville is $825. That works out to $9,900/year, or 25% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Brownsville affordable?
Brownsville's cost of living index is 80 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $40,200/year and a median home price of $160,000, the price-to-income ratio is 4.0x. Brownsville remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Brownsville?
The effective property tax rate in Brownsville is 1.80% of assessed value. On the median home of $160,000, that's roughly $2,880/year ($240/month).