Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Detroit, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 14.8% more expensive than Detroit, MI. This translates to spending an extra $1108 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Detroit, MI, you'd need approximately $163,295.455 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Dallas, TX is 53.3% more expensive than in Detroit, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,225/month in Detroit, MI.

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

Living in Dallas, TX costs approximately $1108 more per month than Detroit, MI, or $13295 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Detroit, MI

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Dallas, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Detroit, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.3K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area

Overall Cost

↑ 14.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,108

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$13.3K

Per year

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

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$86K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:115

Median Home:$292K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Dallas, TX

Category	Detroit, MI	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,559/mo	$2,391/mo	↑ $832more	53.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $273less	17.4%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $100more	6.0%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$632/mo	↑ $68.15more	12.1%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$979/mo	↑ $29.98more	3.2%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$563/mo	↑ $5.46more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 53.3%

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$832

🚗Transportation

↓ 17.4%

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$273

less

📦Other

↑ 6.0%

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$100

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.1%

Detroit, MI

$564

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$68.15

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.2%

Detroit, MI

$949

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$29.98

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.0%

Detroit, MI

$557

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$5.46

🏛️ 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$875

To$1,450

↑ $575

1 Bed

From$975

To$1,505

↑ $530

2 Bed

From$1,225

To$1,765

↑ $540

3 Bed

From$1,495

To$2,220

↑ $725

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$762

Difference

Home Values

Detroit

Dallas

$86K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$48K - $415K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 242% more expensive than Detroit

Calculate payment - Detroit Calculate payment - Dallas

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$531

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.2%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.

Environment

Detroit

Dallas

55 Moderate

Air Quality

55 Moderate

32.8%

Good Air Days

35.2%

99 High

Climate Risk

100 Very High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.7°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

90 days

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.7°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

90 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Michigan and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Detroit, MI on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Dallas, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

Detroit, MI

Dallas, TX

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Dallas, TX

Detroit, MI

Dallas, TX

Detroit, MI

Dallas, TX

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code26 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code44 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP25 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP40 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Detroit, MI

Dallas, TX

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Dallas, TX