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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Detroit is 25% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,034/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 7%
$39,575/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 58%
$76,800 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 133%
$868/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 28%
636,644
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $23,145/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Abilene — common questions

Is Detroit or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Abilene?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Abilene?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $23,145/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Abilene

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