Is Killeen, TX cheaper than Brownsville, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Killeen, TX is 1.6% more expensive than Brownsville, TX. This translates to spending an extra $120 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brownsville, TX, you'd need approximately $151,445.545 in Killeen, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Killeen, TX is 13.5% more expensive than in Brownsville, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $898/month in Killeen, TX compared to $1,093/month in Brownsville, TX.

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

Living in Killeen, TX costs approximately $120 more per month than Brownsville, TX, or $1446 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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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 $120/month more in Killeen, TX

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

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$120

Extra cost

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

Killeen, TX

Population:160K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$118K

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!

Killeen, TX

The Lone Star State

160K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 160K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brownsville, TX vs Killeen, TX

Category	Brownsville, TX	Killeen, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,138/mo	$2,427/mo	↑ $289more	13.5%
Other	$1,813/mo	$1,627/mo	↓ $185less	10.2%
Transportation	$1,337/mo	$1,200/mo	↓ $137less	10.2%
Healthcare	$537/mo	$569/mo	↑ $31.67more	5.9%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$523/mo	↑ $21.18more	4.2%
Groceries	$928/mo	$927/mo	↓ $0.44less	0.0%

Housing

↑ 13.5%

Brownsville, TX

$2,138

Killeen, TX

$2,427

Difference

$289

Other

↓ 10.2%

Brownsville, TX

$1,813

Killeen, TX

$1,627

Difference

$185

less

Transportation

↓ 10.2%

Brownsville, TX

$1,337

Killeen, TX

$1,200

Difference

$137

less

Healthcare

↑ 5.9%

Brownsville, TX

$537

Killeen, TX

$569

Difference

$31.67

All Utilities

↑ 4.2%

Brownsville, TX

$502

Killeen, TX

$523

Difference

$21.18

Groceries

↓ 0.0%

Brownsville, TX

$928

Killeen, TX

$927

Difference

$0.44

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$812

To$715

↓ $97.00

1 Bed

From$906

To$723

↓ $183

2 Bed

From$1,093

To$898

↓ $195

3 Bed

From$1,479

To$1,247

↓ $232

Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,030/mo

Killeen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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

$7,274

Monthly in Killeen, TX

$19.09

Difference

Home Values

Brownsville

Killeen

$184K

Median Value

$118K

↑ +2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.5%

↑ +50.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.2%

$169K - $228K

Price Range

$118K

Homes in Killeen are 36% less expensive than Brownsville

Calculate payment - Brownsville Calculate payment - Killeen

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

Killeen, 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%

Killeen, 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.