Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 14.6% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $1092 per month.

What salary do I need in Detroit, MI to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $136,893.204 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Detroit, MI?

Housing in Detroit, MI is 45.9% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Detroit, MI?

Moving from Austin, TX to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $1092 per month, or $13107 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.9K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 14.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,092

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:85

Median Home:$86K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Detroit, MI

Category	Austin, TX	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $1,325less	45.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $287more	22.3%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$564/mo	↓ $24.78less	4.2%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$557/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.9%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$1,325

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.3%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$287

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$66.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.2%

Austin, TX

$589

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$24.78

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.0%

Austin, TX

$541

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$16.39

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Austin, TX

$959

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$875

↓ $710

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$975

↓ $710

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,225

↓ $770

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$1,495

↓ $1,030

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$1,124

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Detroit

$558K

Median Value

$86K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 85% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Detroit

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$531

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.2%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.