Is Detroit, MI cheaper than San Antonio, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 3.3% cheaper than San Antonio, TX. This translates to saving $247 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Antonio, TX, you'd need approximately $147,032.967 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Detroit, MI is 25.7% cheaper than in San Antonio, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $1,470/month in San Antonio, TX.

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

Moving from San Antonio, TX to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $247 per month, or $2967 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Antonio, TX

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Antonio, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $247/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.0K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$247

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.0K

Per year

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

San Antonio, TX

Population:1547K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$215K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$86K

San Antonio, TX

The Lone Star State

1.5M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 1.5M residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: San Antonio, TX vs Detroit, MI

Category	San Antonio, TX	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,100/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $541less	25.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,287/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $284more	22.1%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$557/mo	↑ $61.75more	12.5%
🏥Healthcare	$527/mo	$564/mo	↑ $37.17more	7.1%
🛒Groceries	$913/mo	$949/mo	↑ $35.97more	3.9%
📦Other	$1,647/mo	$1,674/mo	↑ $26.78more	1.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 25.7%

San Antonio, TX

$2,100

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$541

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.1%

San Antonio, TX

$1,287

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$284

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.5%

San Antonio, TX

$496

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$61.75

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.1%

San Antonio, TX

$527

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$37.17

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.9%

San Antonio, TX

$913

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$35.97

📦Other

↑ 1.6%

San Antonio, TX

$1,647

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$26.78

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Antonio, 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$1,110

To$875

↓ $235

1 Bed

From$1,210

To$975

↓ $235

2 Bed

From$1,470

To$1,225

↓ $245

3 Bed

From$1,890

To$1,495

↓ $395

San Antonio, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $840–$1,770/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.

$6,969

Monthly in San Antonio, TX

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$94.73

Difference

Home Values

San Antonio

Detroit

$215K

Median Value

$86K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +16.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$107K - $905K

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 60% less expensive than San Antonio

Calculate payment - San Antonio 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

San Antonio, 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

San Antonio, 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.