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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Columbus is 54% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,224/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 26%
$65,327/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 25%
$234,500 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 48%
$1,243/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 33%
906,480
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $16,652/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 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

Columbus vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Columbus or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Brownsville?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Brownsville?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $16,652/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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More Comparisons

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