Average Rent in Brownsville, TX↓ Rents falling 1.8% YoY

Brownsville, TX has rental prices ranging from $666/month to $1,310/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $757/month — 46% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $51,334/year, spending $757/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Brownsville Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $948/month, Brownsville ranks #124 most expensive of the 220 cities tracked in Texas — pricier than 55% of all US cities in our data.

The Brownsville Rental Market

The Brownsville, TX area has a population of about 423,192 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Brownsville, TX have fallen by $17/month (1.8%) over the past year, from $965 to $948. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Brownsville, TX without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,280. The local median household income of $51,334 exceeds that threshold by $21,054, making Brownsville relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Brownsville, TX is $197,292, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 17.3. With a break-even horizon of approximately 17 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Brownsville's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Buena Vida ($118,800 median home value), City Center ($129,179 median home value), West Brownsville ($134,510 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Brownsville, TX Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Brownsville?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Brownsville

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.