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Brownsville, TX, United States
Capital City

Follows United States Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,800
Retiree Score
77.0
Safety Index
48.2
Healthcare
23 facilities

With a population of 186,738, Brownsville is a sprawling border city that trades convenience for a heavy tax burden and bureaucratic headaches. Situated in the subtropical Gulf Coast, the city experiences scorching summers and the occasional winter freeze, while also ranking among the least dangerous metropolitan areas in Texas. Yet, the region's poverty rate hovers around 22%, and nearly a quarter of the population lives below the federal poverty line. For those seeking an affordable cost of living and mild climate, Brownsville may be worth the tradeoffs, but the city's challenges are not to be taken lightly.

Can I afford Brownsville, TX?

$

Brownsville, TX

You could save

1,200/mo

Savings Rate40%

Monthly Costs

Rent $950
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$850

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
40/100
Retiree Score
(i)
77/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
55/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets United States Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
48
Safety
23
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $4
Rice (1kg) *$5
Chicken (1kg) *$12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$13
Meal (Mid-range) $70
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $223
Mobile Plan (mo) $82
Gym (mo) *$31
Cinema Ticket $12

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $760
1BR Outside (mo) *$1,084
3BR Center (mo) $1,400
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,782

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown Brownsville, Southmost, Boca Chica Village
Best For
SpaceX and aerospace workers, border trade professionals, budget expats

Expat Life Notes

Brownsville is the southernmost large city in Texas on the US-Mexico border with Matamoros. It is one of the poorest major US cities but has growing significance due to SpaceX's Starbase launch facility in nearby Boca Chica, which is driving significant tech workforce migration.

Pros

  • ✓ SpaceX Starbase proximity
  • ✓ Affordable
  • ✓ Warm climate

Cons

  • ✗ High poverty rates
  • ✗ Border security environment
  • ✗ Limited urban amenities

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
785 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Brownsville, TX

Click any question to expand the answer.

Brownsville, TX has a population of approximately 186,738 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,375 per month in Brownsville, TX, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $950/month.

The nearest airport to Brownsville, TX is MTY, approximately 263km away.

Brownsville, TX is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 48.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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