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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Detroit

Michigan
53

Fort Worth is 83% more expensive than Detroit.

$1,412/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,034/mo ↓ 27%
$76,602/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$39,575/yr ↓ 48%
$277,300 ↑ 261%
Home Value
$76,800 ↓ 72%
$1,489/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$868/mo ↓ 42%
941,311
Population
636,644

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Detroit, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 53 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $37,027/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $76,800 in Detroit.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Detroit — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Detroit?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Detroit it's $1,034/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Detroit?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $39,575 in Detroit. Median household income is $37,027/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Detroit?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Detroit has a cost index of 53 with rent of $1,034/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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