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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Detroit is 23% cheaper than Amarillo.

$1,034/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↑ 1%
$39,575/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↑ 58%
$76,800 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$186,800 ↑ 143%
$868/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↑ 24%
636,644
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,894/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Detroit or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Amarillo?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Amarillo?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $22,894/year higher in Amarillo.
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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Amarillo

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor