Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Brownsville, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 8.2% cheaper than Brownsville, TX. This translates to saving $614 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brownsville, TX, you'd need approximately $142,631.62 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Brownsville, TX and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 8.8% cheaper than in Brownsville, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,093/month in Brownsville, TX.

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

Moving from Brownsville, TX to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $614 per month, or $7368 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brownsville, TX vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brownsville, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Corpus Christi, TX area

Current salary in Brownsville, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $614/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.6K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$614

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.4K

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

Median Home:$184K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$176K

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!

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brownsville, TX vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Brownsville, TX	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,813/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $223less	12.3%
🏠Housing	$2,138/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $189less	8.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,337/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $149less	11.1%
🏥Healthcare	$537/mo	$582/mo	↑ $45.00more	8.4%
🛒Groceries	$928/mo	$919/mo	↓ $8.59less	0.9%
⚡All Utilities	$502/mo	$503/mo	↑ $0.88more	0.2%

📦Other

↓ 12.3%

Brownsville, TX

$1,813

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$223

less

🏠Housing

↓ 8.8%

Brownsville, TX

$2,138

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$189

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.1%

Brownsville, TX

$1,337

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$149

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.4%

Brownsville, TX

$537

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$45.00

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Brownsville, TX

$928

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$8.59

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.2%

Brownsville, TX

$502

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$0.88

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Brownsville, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$812

To$1,030

↑ $218

1 Bed

From$906

To$1,170

↑ $264

2 Bed

From$1,093

To$1,360

↑ $267

3 Bed

From$1,479

To$1,760

↑ $281

Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,030/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/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

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$523

Difference

Home Values

Brownsville

Indianapolis

$184K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +50.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$169K - $228K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 4% less expensive than Brownsville

Calculate payment - Brownsville Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

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

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Brownsville, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.