A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
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 Brownsville Florida National
Cost of living105102100
Groceries103102100
Health care105104100
Housing10797100
Transportation104103100
Utilities111110100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102104100
Household Items102102100
Education & Childcare101106100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Brownsville, FL

The cost of living in Brownsville affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Brownsville is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Brownsville are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Brownsville can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Brownsville Affordable?

Wondering if Brownsville is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Brownsville, for example, the median home price is 14.5% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 9.8% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Brownsville boasting a median household income of $39,568, which is 51.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brownsville?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Brownsville, the groceries index is 3.1% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Brownsville, the housing index is 7.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Brownsville 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 Brownsville is 3% higher than the Florida average
  • The cost of living in Brownsville is 5% higher than the national average
  • Brownsville housing is 7% higher than the national average
  • Florida general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Florida state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Brownsville

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Compare Brownsville, FL 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$65,488$5,457$1,528$1,965
      Renters$30,241$2,520$706$907
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Brownsville, FL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Brownsville have a median income of $65,488. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,528 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $30,241, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $706.

      Florida Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Florida 6% 7.5%

      Florida Income Tax

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

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Medley, FL1,0768910.7%
      Pembroke Park, FL6,9708911.0%
      Gladeview, FL13,938991.4%
      Opa-locka, FL16,6101011.2%
      West Little River, FL33,2291043.6%
      Brownsville, FL18,1701054.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Paradise, CA18,15912322.9%
      Gretna, LA18,157954.6%
      Centerville, UT18,18712323.4%
      Tiffin, OH18,1518613.9%
      Cinco Ranch, TX18,19012727.1%
      Brownsville, FL18,1701054.9%
      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.