Is Brownsville, TX cheaper than Amarillo, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Brownsville, TX is 1.6% more expensive than Amarillo, TX. This translates to spending an extra $119 per month.

What salary do I need in Brownsville, TX to live like I do in Amarillo, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Amarillo, TX, you'd need approximately $151,432.313 in Brownsville, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Amarillo, TX and Brownsville, TX?

Housing in Brownsville, TX is 1.1% more expensive than in Amarillo, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,093/month in Brownsville, TX compared to $1,264/month in Amarillo, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Amarillo, TX to Brownsville, TX?

Living in Brownsville, TX costs approximately $119 more per month than Amarillo, TX, or $1432 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Amarillo, TX vs Brownsville, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Amarillo, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $119/month more in Brownsville, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.4K in Brownsville, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$119

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Amarillo, TX

Population:202K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$165K

Brownsville, TX

Population:190K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$184K

Amarillo, TX

The Lone Star State

202K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 202K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Brownsville, TX

The Lone Star State

190K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 190K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Amarillo, TX vs Brownsville, TX

Category	Amarillo, TX	Brownsville, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,670/mo	$1,813/mo	↑ $143more	8.5%
Groceries	$957/mo	$928/mo	↓ $29.49less	3.1%
Housing	$2,114/mo	$2,138/mo	↑ $23.89more	1.1%
Transportation	$1,348/mo	$1,337/mo	↓ $11.13less	0.8%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$537/mo	↓ $11.05less	2.0%
All Utilities	$506/mo	$502/mo	↓ $4.63less	0.9%

Other

↑ 8.5%

Amarillo, TX

$1,670

Brownsville, TX

$1,813

Difference

$143

Groceries

↓ 3.1%

Amarillo, TX

$957

Brownsville, TX

$928

Difference

$29.49

less

Housing

↑ 1.1%

Amarillo, TX

$2,114

Brownsville, TX

$2,138

Difference

$23.89

Transportation

↓ 0.8%

Amarillo, TX

$1,348

Brownsville, TX

$1,337

Difference

$11.13

less

Healthcare

↓ 2.0%

Amarillo, TX

$548

Brownsville, TX

$537

Difference

$11.05

less

All Utilities

↓ 0.9%

Amarillo, TX

$506

Brownsville, TX

$502

Difference

$4.63

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$889

To$812

↓ $77.00

1 Bed

From$1,030

To$906

↓ $124

2 Bed

From$1,264

To$1,093

↓ $171

3 Bed

From$1,719

To$1,479

↓ $240

Amarillo, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$1,110/mo

Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,030/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,145

Monthly in Amarillo, TX

$7,255

Monthly in Brownsville, TX

$110

Difference

Home Values

Amarillo

Brownsville

$165K

Median Value

$184K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↑ +2.1%

↑ +32.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +50.9%

$106K - $375K

Price Range

$169K - $228K

Homes in Brownsville are 12% more expensive than Amarillo

Calculate payment - Amarillo Calculate payment - Brownsville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Amarillo, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Brownsville, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Amarillo, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Brownsville, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.