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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Detroit is 60% cheaper than Plano.

$1,034/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 73%
$39,575/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 175%
$76,800 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 474%
$868/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 111%
636,644
Population
287,339

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $69,074/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Plano — common questions

Is Detroit or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Plano?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Plano?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $69,074/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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