A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
38%
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 Brownwood Texas National
Cost of living8794100
Groceries10098100
Health care9698100
Housing6283100
Transportation10098100
Utilities103103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare9598100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Brownwood, TX

Understanding the cost of living in Brownwood can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Brownwood cost of living index is 87, which is 13% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Is Brownwood Affordable?

Is Brownwood affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Brownwood, the median home price is 47% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 17.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Brownwood boasting a median household income of $62,926, 22.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brownwood?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Brownwood, the utilities index stands at 2.8% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Brownwood, healthcare costs are 4.5% lower 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.

Where is the Data From?

The Brownwood cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Brownwood is 7% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Brownwood is 13% lower than the national average
  • Brownwood housing is 38% 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 Brownwood

See all the best places to live around Brownwood

Compare Brownwood, 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$87,525$7,294$2,042$2,626
      Renters$42,671$3,556$996$1,280
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Brownwood, TX, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Brownwood, the median monthly income is $87,525 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,042 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $42,671, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $996 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Bangs, TX1,5598218.1%
      Blanket, TX3648217.9%
      Lake Brownwood, TX1,4918316.9%
      Early, TX3,234909.8%
      Thunderbird Bay, TX637936.8%
      Brownwood, TX18,9778712.8%

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      Laurel, MS18,9718416.2%
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      Eloy, AZ18,990928.3%
      Milledgeville, GA18,956937.2%
      Sainte-Catherine, QC19,000n/a 
      Brownwood, TX18,9778712.8%
      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.