Brownsville, TX vs McAllen, TX: Cost of Living Comparison
Brownsville has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Brownsville | McAllen | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 62 | 72 | Brownsville |
| Housing | 35 ($634) | 50 ($712) | Brownsville |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | McAllen |
| Food & groceries | 65 ($267) | 81 ($332) | Brownsville |
| Utilities | 68 ($63) | 75 ($90) | Brownsville |
| Healthcare | 68 ($46) | 75 ($65) | Brownsville |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,620) | 100 ($48,620) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brownsville, TX or McAllen, TX cheaper to live in?
Brownsville, TX is cheaper overall by about 10 index points (Brownsville, TX: 62, McAllen, TX: 72; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Brownsville, TX vs McAllen, TX?
A single adult needs roughly $21,700/year in Brownsville, TX and $25,200/year in McAllen, TX to cover basic living costs.