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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Detroit

Michigan
53

Austin is 153% more expensive than Detroit.

$1,655/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,034/mo ↓ 38%
$91,461/yr ↑ 131%
Median Income
$39,575/yr ↓ 57%
$512,700 ↑ 568%
Home Value
$76,800 ↓ 85%
$1,747/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$868/mo ↓ 50%
967,862
Population
636,644

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
31.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Detroit, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 53 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $621/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $7,452/year.

Median household income is $51,886/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $76,800 in Detroit.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Detroit — common questions

Is Austin or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Detroit?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Detroit it's $1,034/month — a difference of $621/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Detroit?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $39,575 in Detroit. Median household income is $51,886/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 Detroit?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Detroit has a cost index of 53 with rent of $1,034/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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