Is Denton, TX cheaper than Brownsville, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Denton, TX is 11.8% more expensive than Brownsville, TX. This translates to spending an extra $883 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brownsville, TX, you'd need approximately $160,600.427 in Denton, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denton, TX is 11.5% more expensive than in Brownsville, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,567/month in Denton, TX compared to $1,093/month in Brownsville, TX.

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

Living in Denton, TX costs approximately $883 more per month than Brownsville, TX, or $10600 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brownsville, TX vs Denton, 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 spend $883/month more in Denton, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.6K in Denton, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$883

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.6K

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

Denton, TX

Population:158K

Cost Index:

112

(12% above avg)

Median Home:$354K

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!

Denton, TX

The Lone Star State

158K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 158K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brownsville, TX vs Denton, TX

Category	Brownsville, TX	Denton, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,138/mo	$2,384/mo	↑ $246more	11.5%
Other	$1,813/mo	$1,924/mo	↑ $111more	6.1%
Healthcare	$537/mo	$632/mo	↑ $94.32more	17.6%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$563/mo	↑ $60.77more	12.1%
Groceries	$928/mo	$979/mo	↑ $50.99more	5.5%
Transportation	$1,337/mo	$1,297/mo	↓ $40.36less	3.0%

Housing

↑ 11.5%

Brownsville, TX

$2,138

Denton, TX

$2,384

Difference

$246

Other

↑ 6.1%

Brownsville, TX

$1,813

Denton, TX

$1,924

Difference

$111

Healthcare

↑ 17.6%

Brownsville, TX

$537

Denton, TX

$632

Difference

$94.32

All Utilities

↑ 12.1%

Brownsville, TX

$502

Denton, TX

$563

Difference

$60.77

Groceries

↑ 5.5%

Brownsville, TX

$928

Denton, TX

$979

Difference

$50.99

Transportation

↓ 3.0%

Brownsville, TX

$1,337

Denton, TX

$1,297

Difference

$40.36

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$812

To$1,283

↑ $471

1 Bed

From$906

To$1,338

↑ $432

2 Bed

From$1,093

To$1,567

↑ $474

3 Bed

From$1,479

To$1,970

↑ $491

Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,030/mo

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/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

$7,777

Monthly in Denton, TX

$523

Difference

Home Values

Brownsville

Denton

$184K

Median Value

$354K

↑ +2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +50.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.4%

$169K - $228K

Price Range

$273K - $402K

Homes in Denton are 92% more expensive than Brownsville

Calculate payment - Brownsville Calculate payment - Denton

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

Denton, 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%

Denton, 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.