Is Brownsville, TX cheaper than Killeen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Brownsville, TX is 1.6% cheaper than Killeen, TX. This translates to saving $119 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Killeen, TX, you'd need approximately $148,577.305 in Brownsville, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Brownsville, TX is 11.9% cheaper than in Killeen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,093/month in Brownsville, TX compared to $898/month in Killeen, TX.

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

Moving from Killeen, TX to Brownsville, TX could save you approximately $119 per month, or $1423 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Killeen, TX vs Brownsville, 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 Killeen, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $119/month moving to Brownsville, TX

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

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$119

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

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

Killeen, TX

Population:160K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$118K

Brownsville, TX

Population:190K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$184K

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!

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Killeen, TX vs Brownsville, TX

Category	Killeen, TX	Brownsville, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,427/mo	$2,138/mo	↓ $289less	11.9%
Other	$1,627/mo	$1,813/mo	↑ $185more	11.4%
Transportation	$1,200/mo	$1,337/mo	↑ $137more	11.4%
Healthcare	$569/mo	$537/mo	↓ $31.67less	5.6%
All Utilities	$523/mo	$502/mo	↓ $21.18less	4.0%
Groceries	$927/mo	$928/mo	↑ $0.44more	0.0%

Housing

↓ 11.9%

Killeen, TX

$2,427

Brownsville, TX

$2,138

Difference

$289

less

Other

↑ 11.4%

Killeen, TX

$1,627

Brownsville, TX

$1,813

Difference

$185

Transportation

↑ 11.4%

Killeen, TX

$1,200

Brownsville, TX

$1,337

Difference

$137

Healthcare

↓ 5.6%

Killeen, TX

$569

Brownsville, TX

$537

Difference

$31.67

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.0%

Killeen, TX

$523

Brownsville, TX

$502

Difference

$21.18

less

Groceries

↑ 0.0%

Killeen, TX

$927

Brownsville, TX

$928

Difference

$0.44

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$715

To$812

↑ $97.00

1 Bed

From$723

To$906

↑ $183

2 Bed

From$898

To$1,093

↑ $195

3 Bed

From$1,247

To$1,479

↑ $232

Killeen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/mo

Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,030/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.

$7,274

Monthly in Killeen, TX

$7,255

Monthly in Brownsville, TX

$19.09

Difference

Home Values

Killeen

Brownsville

$118K

Median Value

$184K

↓ -4.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.1%

↑ +31.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +50.9%

$118K

Price Range

$169K - $228K

Homes in Brownsville are 55% more expensive than Killeen

Calculate payment - Killeen Calculate payment - Brownsville

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Killeen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Brownsville, 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.