Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 8.8% cheaper than Houston, TX. This translates to saving $661 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $142,072.539 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Detroit, MI is 28.8% cheaper than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Moving from Houston, TX to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $661 per month, or $7927 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $661/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.1K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$661

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.9K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$86K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Detroit, MI

Category	Houston, TX	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $631less	28.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $122more	8.4%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $93.74less	5.3%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$949/mo	↑ $37.97more	4.2%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$557/mo	↑ $4.92more	0.9%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$564/mo	↑ $1.86more	0.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 28.8%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$631

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.4%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$122

📦Other

↓ 5.3%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$93.74

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.2%

Houston, TX

$911

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$37.97

⚡All Utilities

↑ 0.9%

Houston, TX

$552

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$4.92

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.3%

Houston, TX

$562

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$1.86

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

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

Studio

From$1,220

To$875

↓ $345

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$975

↓ $285

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,225

↓ $275

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,495

↓ $525

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$559

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Detroit

$245K

Median Value

$86K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 65% less expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston 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

Houston, 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

Houston, 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.