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

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Cincinnati is 28% more expensive than Brownsville.

$953/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 5%
$51,707/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 6%
$215,300 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 43%
$1,041/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 20%
309,595
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,032/year higher in Cincinnati. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Brownsville?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Brownsville?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $3,032/year higher in Cincinnati.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/mo, while Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with rent of $906/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cincinnati details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

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