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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Detroit is 44% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,034/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 34%
$39,575/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 86%
$76,800 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 260%
$868/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 64%
636,644
Population
394,769

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $33,944/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Arlington — common questions

Is Detroit or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Arlington?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Arlington?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $33,944/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Arlington

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans