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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Brownsville is 7% cheaper than Lansing.

$906/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↑ 8%
$48,675/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↑ 7%
$122,400 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 2%
$830/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↑ 18%
188,023
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $3,495/year higher in Lansing. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Lansing — common questions

Is Brownsville or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 58 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Lansing?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Lansing?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $3,495/year higher in Lansing.
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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Lansing details →

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