Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Austin is 70% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,655/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 24%
$91,461/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 29%
$512,700 ↑ 149%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 60%
$1,747/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 33%
967,862
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $26,269/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Austin or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Dearborn?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Dearborn?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $26,269/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Dearborn details →

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