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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Detroit is 33% cheaper than Tyler.

$1,034/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 16%
$39,575/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 66%
$76,800 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$216,400 ↑ 182%
$868/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↑ 35%
636,644
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $25,952/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Tyler — common questions

Is Detroit or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Tyler?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Tyler?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $25,952/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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