A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Brenham Texas National
Cost of living9894100
Groceries10098100
Health care9898100
Housing9183100
Transportation10098100
Utilities101103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10498100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare10598100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Brenham, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Brenham? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Brenham stands at 98, making it 2% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Brenham closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Brenham can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Brenham Affordable?

Is Brenham an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Brenham, the median home price is 10.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 5.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Brenham come in at $74,292, which is 8.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brenham?

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Brenham, the groceries index is 0.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Brenham, the transportation index is 0.3% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Brenham shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Brenham is 4% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Brenham is 2% lower than the national average
  • Brenham housing is 9% lower than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Brenham

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Compare Brenham, TX Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$95,509$7,959$2,228$2,866
      Renters$38,978$3,248$909$1,169
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Brenham is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Brenham has a median income of about $95,509 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,228 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $38,978. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $909 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Burton, TX3181000.4%
      Somerville, TX1,2548812.3%
      Bellville, TX4,318981.9%
      Industry, TX2861022.0%
      Brenham, TX17,717982.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pinewood, FL17,7141087.8%
      Estelle, LA17,706991.4%
      Sevierville, TN17,7291000.4%
      Pampa, TX17,7438514.6%
      Nederland, TX17,748954.7%
      Brenham, TX17,717982.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.