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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Detroit is 54% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,034/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 62%
$39,575/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 150%
$76,800 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 360%
$868/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 95%
636,644
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $59,540/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Detroit or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Carrollton?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Carrollton?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $59,540/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Carrollton details →

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