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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Brownsville is 32% cheaper than Dearborn.

$906/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 40%
$48,675/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 34%
$122,400 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 68%
$830/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 41%
188,023
Population
107,846

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
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $358/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,296/year.

Median household income is $16,517/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Brownsville or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Dearborn?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $358/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Dearborn?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $16,517/year higher in Dearborn.
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 Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Dearborn details →

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