Cost of Living: Brownsville, TX vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Brownsville is 55% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$906/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 71%
$48,675/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 67%
$122,400 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 255%
$830/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 97%
188,023
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $646/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $7,752/year.

Median household income is $32,414/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Brownsville or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $646/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $32,414/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Ann Arbor details →

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