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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Brownsville is 8% more expensive than Dayton.

$906/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 4%
$48,675/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 11%
$122,400 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 24%
$830/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$833/mo ≈ Same
188,023
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $5,221/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Dayton — common questions

Is Brownsville or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 54 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Dayton?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Dayton?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $5,221/year higher in Brownsville.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Brownsville or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Dayton details →

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