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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Brownsville is 38% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$906/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 40%
$48,675/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 61%
$122,400 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 113%
$830/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 50%
188,023
Population
133,473

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
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $29,754/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Brownsville or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $29,754/year higher in Sterling Heights.
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 Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Brownsville details → View Sterling Heights details →

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