Home › Compare › Houston, TX vs Detroit, MI

Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Detroit, MI

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

7.3% Detroit, MI is cheaper overall
26.1% 26.1% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.1% cheaper
Houston
92
Detroit
68
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Houston
94
Detroit
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Houston
100
Detroit
102
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Houston
95
Detroit
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Houston
106
Detroit
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Detroit, MI Difference
Overall Cost Index96897.3% less
Housing926826.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$90025.0% less
Median Home Price$295,000$85,00071.2% less
Groceries9495~Same
Transportation100102~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities106104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, TX Detroit, MI
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.25%
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.32%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
Detroit, MI
$42,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Detroit costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Detroit to maintain your Houston lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Detroit (89). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Detroit6.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Detroit1.5%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
DetroitAuto, Manufacturing, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Detroit27 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Detroit55
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Detroit44
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Detroit49°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Detroit639,111

Moving from Houston to Detroit?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston and Detroit → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Detroit →

Compare Other Cities

Houston vs Austin → Houston vs Denver → Houston vs Nashville → Detroit vs Raleigh → Detroit vs Portland → Detroit vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston or Detroit cheaper to live in?+
Detroit is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 26.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Detroit?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $900/month in Detroit — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston or Detroit?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Michigan has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Houston to Detroit?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 compared to $42,000 in Detroit. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Houston vs Detroit?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $85,000 in Detroit — a difference of $210,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Michigan averages 1.32%.