Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Akron and Brownsville have a similar cost of living.

$930/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 3%
$48,544/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$48,675/yr ≈ Same
$111,200 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$122,400 ↑ 10%
$904/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 8%
189,526
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $131/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Akron or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 55 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Brownsville?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Brownsville?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $131/year higher in Brownsville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Brownsville details →