Cost of Living in Brenham, TX
Population 18,086 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brenham sits on the smaller end of the Texas city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Brenham is about 30 miles south of College Station, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than College Station's $327,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brenham
The median home value in Brenham is $223,200 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,087/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,207/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 79.8°F and lows of 59.0°F. Overall, Brenham has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 62 | 66 | 73 | 79 | 86 | 92 | 95 | 97 | 91 | 82 | 71 | 63 |
| Low °F | 41 | 45 | 52 | 58 | 66 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 70 | 60 | 50 | 43 |
| Precip" | 3.43 | 2.90 | 3.41 | 2.87 | 4.60 | 4.01 | 1.98 | 3.10 | 3.50 | 4.93 | 3.31 | 3.71 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brenham, TX?
Brenham has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brenham, TX?
The median gross rent in Brenham is $1,087 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brenham?
The median home value in Brenham is $223,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brenham?
The median household income in Brenham is $57,207 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brenham, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brenham is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Brenham, TX affordable?
Yes, Brenham is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Brenham?
Brenham has average high temperatures of 79.8°F and average lows of 59.0°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Brenham at a Glance
- Population
- 18,086
- Median Income
- $57,207
- Home Value
- $223,200
- Median Rent
- $1,087/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 79.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Texas Rankings
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