Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 12.9% cheaper than Dallas, TX. This translates to saving $965 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $138,415.842 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Detroit, MI is 34.8% cheaper than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

Moving from Dallas, TX to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $965 per month, or $11584 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $965/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.4K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$965

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.6K

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$86K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs Detroit, MI

Category	Dallas, TX	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $832less	34.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $273more	21.1%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $100less	5.7%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$564/mo	↓ $68.15less	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$949/mo	↓ $29.98less	3.1%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$557/mo	↓ $5.46less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 34.8%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$832

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 21.1%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$273

📦Other

↓ 5.7%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$100

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.8%

Dallas, TX

$632

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$68.15

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.1%

Dallas, TX

$979

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$29.98

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.0%

Dallas, TX

$563

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$5.46

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Dallas, 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$1,450

To$875

↓ $575

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$975

↓ $530

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,225

↓ $540

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$1,495

↓ $725

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$762

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Detroit

$292K

Median Value

$86K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 71% less expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas 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

Dallas, 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

Dallas, 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.