Cost of Living in Brownsville, TX
Population 188,023 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Brownsville's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $48,675 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brownsville
The median home value in Brownsville is $122,400 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $906/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,675/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 85.4°F and lows of 67.1°F. Overall, Brownsville has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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 | 73 | 76 | 81 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 | 87 | 80 | 74 |
| Low °F | 53 | 57 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 75 | 69 | 61 | 55 |
| Precip" | 1.08 | 1.03 | 1.45 | 1.47 | 2.22 | 2.86 | 1.98 | 2.16 | 5.73 | 3.83 | 1.76 | 1.21 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brownsville, TX?
Brownsville has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brownsville, TX?
The median gross rent in Brownsville is $906 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brownsville?
The median home value in Brownsville is $122,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Brownsville?
The median household income in Brownsville is $48,675 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brownsville, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brownsville is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Brownsville, TX affordable?
Yes, Brownsville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Brownsville?
Brownsville has average high temperatures of 85.4°F and average lows of 67.1°F. Annual precipitation is 26.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Brownsville at a Glance
- Population
- 188,023
- Median Income
- $48,675
- Home Value
- $122,400
- Median Rent
- $906/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 85.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Texas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs