Is Brownsville, TX cheaper than Arlington, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Brownsville, TX is 6.2% cheaper than Arlington, TX. This translates to saving $464 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington, TX, you'd need approximately $144,437.746 in Brownsville, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Brownsville, TX is 10.6% cheaper than in Arlington, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,093/month in Brownsville, TX compared to $1,795/month in Arlington, TX.

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

Moving from Arlington, TX to Brownsville, TX could save you approximately $464 per month, or $5562 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington, 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 Arlington, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $464/month moving to Brownsville, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.4K in Brownsville, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$464

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

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

Arlington, TX

Population:394K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$292K

Brownsville, TX

Population:190K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$184K

Arlington, TX

The Lone Star State

394K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 394K 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: Arlington, TX vs Brownsville, TX

Category	Arlington, TX	Brownsville, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,138/mo	↓ $253less	10.6%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$537/mo	↓ $94.56less	15.0%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$502/mo	↓ $60.98less	10.8%
Groceries	$979/mo	$928/mo	↓ $51.36less	5.2%
Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,337/mo	↑ $39.37more	3.0%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,813/mo	↑ $38.41more	2.2%

Housing

↓ 10.6%

Arlington, TX

$2,391

Brownsville, TX

$2,138

Difference

$253

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.0%

Arlington, TX

$632

Brownsville, TX

$537

Difference

$94.56

less

All Utilities

↓ 10.8%

Arlington, TX

$563

Brownsville, TX

$502

Difference

$60.98

less

Groceries

↓ 5.2%

Arlington, TX

$979

Brownsville, TX

$928

Difference

$51.36

less

Transportation

↑ 3.0%

Arlington, TX

$1,298

Brownsville, TX

$1,337

Difference

$39.37

Other

↑ 2.2%

Arlington, TX

$1,774

Brownsville, TX

$1,813

Difference

$38.41

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,485

To$812

↓ $673

1 Bed

From$1,535

To$906

↓ $629

2 Bed

From$1,795

To$1,093

↓ $702

3 Bed

From$2,370

To$1,479

↓ $891

Arlington, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$1,920/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Arlington, TX

$7,255

Monthly in Brownsville, TX

$382

Difference

Home Values

Arlington

Brownsville

$292K

Median Value

$184K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2.1%

↑ +27.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +50.9%

$226K - $376K

Price Range

$169K - $228K

Homes in Brownsville are 37% less expensive than Arlington

Calculate payment - Arlington 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

Arlington, 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

Arlington, 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.