Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Detroit is 6% more affordable than Fort Worth. A $75,000 salary in Fort Worth is equivalent to $70,263 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Fort Worth sits at 87 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $270,000 in Fort Worth, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,400 in Fort Worth.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Fort Worth scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Fort Worth (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $62,187 in Fort Worth. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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