Cost of Living: Lansing, MI vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Lansing

Michigan
58
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Lansing is 27% cheaper than Dearborn.

$976/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 30%
$52,170/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 25%
$119,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 72%
$978/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 20%
112,546
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lansing, MI and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $13,022/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lansing is $119,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lansing vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Lansing or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lansing and Dearborn?
Median rent in Lansing is $976/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Lansing or Dearborn?
Median household income is $52,170 in Lansing and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $13,022/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Michigan?
Both cities are in Michigan and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lansing or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Lansing has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $976/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 Lansing details → View Dearborn details →

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