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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Houston is 21% more expensive than Warren.

$1,313/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↓ 10%
$62,894/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↑ 1%
$253,400 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$181,900 ↓ 28%
$1,316/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↓ 17%
2,300,419
Population
138,128

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
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $847/year higher in Warren. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Warren — common questions

Is Houston or Warren cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Warren?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Warren?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $847/year higher in Warren.
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 Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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