Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Houston is 11% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,313/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 4%
$62,894/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 4%
$253,400 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 19%
$1,316/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 11%
2,300,419
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,298/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Houston or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Dearborn?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Dearborn?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $2,298/year higher in Dearborn.
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 Houston or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Houston details → View Dearborn details →

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