Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Detroit and San Antonio have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
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 San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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