Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Salt Lake City is 117% more expensive than Brownsville.

$1,343/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 33%
$74,925/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 35%
$495,700 ↑ 305%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 75%
$1,394/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 40%
203,888
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $26,250/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Brownsville?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Brownsville?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $26,250/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Brownsville

Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta Brownsville vs. Akron Brownsville vs. Tempe Brownsville vs. Providence Brownsville vs. Paradise Brownsville vs. Glendale Brownsville vs. Mobile