Cost of Living: Santa Clarita, CA vs Brownsville, TX (2026)

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Brownsville

Texas
54

Santa Clarita is 265% more expensive than Brownsville.

$2,486/mo ↑ 174%
Median Rent
$906/mo ↓ 64%
$119,926/yr ↑ 146%
Median Income
$48,675/yr ↓ 59%
$721,000 ↑ 489%
Home Value
$122,400 ↓ 83%
$2,649/mo ↑ 219%
Owner Costs
$830/mo ↓ 69%
229,021
Population
188,023

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Brownsville, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 54 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,580/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $18,960/year.

Median household income is $71,251/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $122,400 in Brownsville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Brownsville residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Brownsville — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Brownsville?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Brownsville it's $906/month — a difference of $1,580/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Brownsville?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $48,675 in Brownsville. Median household income is $71,251/year higher in Santa Clarita.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Clarita or Brownsville?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Brownsville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Brownsville

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