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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Houston is 52% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,313/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 26%
$62,894/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 17%
$253,400 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 53%
$1,316/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 26%
2,300,419
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $10,724/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Lansing — common questions

Is Houston or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Lansing?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Lansing?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $10,724/year higher in Houston.
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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Houston details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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