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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.3K/month more in Brownsville, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $165.3K in Brownsville, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 17.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,274
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$15.3K
Per year

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

Laredo, TX

Population:255K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$187K

Brownsville, TX

Population:190K
Cost Index:
117
(17% above avg)
Median Home:$184K

Laredo, TX

The Lone Star State

255K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 255K residents.

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

๐Ÿ’ก Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Laredo, TX vs Brownsville, TX

Housing
โ†‘ 26.6%
Laredo, TX
$1,689
Brownsville, TX
$2,138
Difference
$449
more
Other
โ†‘ 16.4%
Laredo, TX
$1,557
Brownsville, TX
$1,813
Difference
$256
more
Transportation
โ†‘ 4.1%
Laredo, TX
$1,284
Brownsville, TX
$1,337
Difference
$53.03
more
Healthcare
โ†‘ 7.1%
Laredo, TX
$502
Brownsville, TX
$537
Difference
$35.55
more
Groceries
โ†‘ 2.0%
Laredo, TX
$909
Brownsville, TX
$928
Difference
$18.59
more
All Utilities
โ†‘ 2.0%
Laredo, TX
$492
Brownsville, TX
$502
Difference
$10.05
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$965
To$812
โ†“ $153
1 Bed
From$970
To$906
โ†“ $64.00
2 Bed
From$1,170
To$1,093
โ†“ $77.00
3 Bed
From$1,510
To$1,479
โ†“ $31.00
Laredo, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $960โ€“$980/mo

Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870โ€“$1,030/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,433
Monthly in Laredo, TX
$7,255
Monthly in Brownsville, TX
$822
Difference

Home Values

Laredo
Brownsville
$187K
Median Value
$184K
โ†‘ +1.9%
YoY Change
โ†‘ +2.1%
โ†‘ +3.4%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +50.9%
$132K - $241K
Price Range
$169K - $228K

Homes in Brownsville are 1% less expensive than Laredo

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Laredo, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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
$0
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

Laredo, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Brownsville, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

Environment

Laredo
Brownsville
45 Good
Air Quality
51 Moderate
57.7%
Good Air Days
48.6%
89 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
๐ŸŒก
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒ€๐ŸŒก
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.2ยฐF
151 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
52 days
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.2ยฐF
151 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
52 days

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