Is Amarillo, TX cheaper than Brownsville, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Amarillo, TX is 1.6% cheaper than Brownsville, TX. This translates to saving $117 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brownsville, TX, you'd need approximately $148,590.125 in Amarillo, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

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

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

Moving from Brownsville, TX to Amarillo, TX could save you approximately $117 per month, or $1410 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brownsville, TX vs Amarillo, 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 Brownsville, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $117/month moving to Amarillo, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.6K in Amarillo, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$117

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

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

Brownsville, TX

Population:190K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$184K

Amarillo, TX

Population:202K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$165K

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!

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brownsville, TX vs Amarillo, TX

Category	Brownsville, TX	Amarillo, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,813/mo	$1,670/mo	↓ $143less	7.9%
Groceries	$928/mo	$957/mo	↑ $29.49more	3.2%
Housing	$2,138/mo	$2,114/mo	↓ $23.89less	1.1%
Transportation	$1,337/mo	$1,348/mo	↑ $11.13more	0.8%
Healthcare	$537/mo	$548/mo	↑ $11.05more	2.1%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$506/mo	↑ $4.63more	0.9%

Other

↓ 7.9%

Brownsville, TX

$1,813

Amarillo, TX

$1,670

Difference

$143

less

Groceries

↑ 3.2%

Brownsville, TX

$928

Amarillo, TX

$957

Difference

$29.49

Housing

↓ 1.1%

Brownsville, TX

$2,138

Amarillo, TX

$2,114

Difference

$23.89

less

Transportation

↑ 0.8%

Brownsville, TX

$1,337

Amarillo, TX

$1,348

Difference

$11.13

Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Brownsville, TX

$537

Amarillo, TX

$548

Difference

$11.05

All Utilities

↑ 0.9%

Brownsville, TX

$502

Amarillo, TX

$506

Difference

$4.63

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$812

To$889

↑ $77.00

1 Bed

From$906

To$1,030

↑ $124

2 Bed

From$1,093

To$1,264

↑ $171

3 Bed

From$1,479

To$1,719

↑ $240

Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,030/mo

Amarillo, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$1,110/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.

$7,255

Monthly in Brownsville, TX

$7,145

Monthly in Amarillo, TX

$110

Difference

Home Values

Brownsville

Amarillo

$184K

Median Value

$165K

↑ +2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +50.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.4%

$169K - $228K

Price Range

$106K - $375K

Homes in Amarillo are 10% less expensive than Brownsville

Calculate payment - Brownsville Calculate payment - Amarillo

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Brownsville, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Amarillo, 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.