Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Detroit is 18% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $61,239 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 Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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