Detroit, MI
Houston, TX
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Numbers update automatically as you type
You'd spend $724/month more in Houston, TX
$150.0K in your current city equals $158.7K in Houston, TX
Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.
Detroit, MI
Houston, TX
Detroit, MI
The Great Lakes State
Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.
Houston, TX
The Lone Star State
Notable Facts
- •Energy capital of the world
- •NASA Mission Control
- •Diverse port city
Major Industries
Cost Breakdown by Category
Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Houston, TX
| Category | Detroit, MI | Houston, TX | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🏠Housing | $1,559/mo | $2,191/mo | ↑ $631more | 40.5% |
🚗Transportation | $1,571/mo | $1,449/mo | ↓ $122less | 7.7% |
📦Other | $1,674/mo | $1,768/mo | ↑ $93.74more | 5.6% |
🛒Groceries | $949/mo | $911/mo | ↓ $37.97less | 4.0% |
⚡All Utilities | $557/mo | $552/mo | ↓ $4.92less | 0.9% |
🏥Healthcare | $564/mo | $562/mo | ↓ $1.86less | 0.3% |
🏛️ Local Income Taxes
Houston, TX has no local income tax.
Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $830–$1,690/mo
1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.
Home Values
Homes in Houston are 187% more expensive than Detroit
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
Detroit, MI
Houston, TX
Additional Tax Information
Detroit, MI Tax Rates
Houston, TX Tax Rates
💡 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
💰 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
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