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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Cleveland is 6% cheaper than Brownsville.

$894/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↑ 1%
$39,187/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↑ 24%
$94,100 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$122,400 ↑ 30%
$866/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 4%
367,523
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,488/year higher in Brownsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 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

Cleveland vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Cleveland or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 54 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Brownsville?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Brownsville?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $9,488/year higher in Brownsville.
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 Cleveland or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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.
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