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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Austin is 131% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,655/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 41%
$91,461/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 43%
$512,700 ↑ 329%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 77%
$1,747/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 44%
967,862
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $39,291/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Lansing — common questions

Is Austin or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Lansing?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Lansing?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $39,291/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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Lansing details →

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