Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Detroit is 7% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $69,531 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 Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Houston (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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