Is Waco, TX cheaper than Brownsville, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Waco, TX is 1.7% cheaper than Brownsville, TX. This translates to saving $125 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Brownsville, TX, you'd need approximately $148,495.704 in Waco, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Waco, TX is 8.8% cheaper than in Brownsville, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,034/month in Waco, TX compared to $1,093/month in Brownsville, TX.

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

Moving from Brownsville, TX to Waco, TX could save you approximately $125 per month, or $1504 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brownsville, TX vs Waco, 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 save $125/month moving to Waco, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.5K in Waco, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$125

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.5K

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

Waco, TX

Population:145K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$241K

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!

Waco, TX

The Lone Star State

145K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 145K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brownsville, TX vs Waco, TX

Category	Brownsville, TX	Waco, TX	Difference	Change
Other	$1,813/mo	$1,576/mo	↓ $237less	13.1%
Housing	$2,138/mo	$1,950/mo	↓ $188less	8.8%
Healthcare	$537/mo	$626/mo	↑ $88.46more	16.5%
Transportation	$1,337/mo	$1,273/mo	↓ $64.31less	4.8%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$557/mo	↑ $55.55more	11.1%
Groceries	$928/mo	$970/mo	↑ $41.91more	4.5%

Other

↓ 13.1%

Brownsville, TX

$1,813

Waco, TX

$1,576

Difference

$237

less

Housing

↓ 8.8%

Brownsville, TX

$2,138

Waco, TX

$1,950

Difference

$188

less

Healthcare

↑ 16.5%

Brownsville, TX

$537

Waco, TX

$626

Difference

$88.46

Transportation

↓ 4.8%

Brownsville, TX

$1,337

Waco, TX

$1,273

Difference

$64.31

less

All Utilities

↑ 11.1%

Brownsville, TX

$502

Waco, TX

$557

Difference

$55.55

Groceries

↑ 4.5%

Brownsville, TX

$928

Waco, TX

$970

Difference

$41.91

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$812

To$709

↓ $103

1 Bed

From$906

To$834

↓ $72.00

2 Bed

From$1,093

To$1,034

↓ $59.00

3 Bed

From$1,479

To$1,334

↓ $145

Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,030/mo

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/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

$6,952

Monthly in Waco, TX

$303

Difference

Home Values

Brownsville

Waco

$184K

Median Value

$241K

↑ +2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +50.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.7%

$169K - $228K

Price Range

$137K - $296K

Homes in Waco are 31% more expensive than Brownsville

Calculate payment - Brownsville Calculate payment - Waco

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

Waco, 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%

Waco, 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.