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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Detroit is 42% cheaper than College Station.

$1,034/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 13%
$39,575/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↑ 31%
$76,800 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 325%
$868/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 44%
636,644
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $12,201/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs College Station — common questions

Is Detroit or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and College Station?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or College Station?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $12,201/year higher in College Station.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and College Station

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette