Side-by-side comparison

Austin vs Detroit

Cost of living comparison for Austin, Texas and Detroit, Michigan.

Bottom line

Austin is approximately 20% more expensive than Detroit. A single person needs about $3,706/mo in Austin versus $3,088/mo in Detroit.

Rent in Austin vs Detroit

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Austin · Studio

$1,549

Detroit · Studio

$991

Austin is $558 (56%) higher than Detroit

Austin · 1 bedroom

$1,650

Detroit · 1 bedroom

$1,090

Austin is $560 (51%) higher than Detroit

Austin · 2 bedroom

$1,949

Detroit · 2 bedroom

$1,378

Austin is $571 (41%) higher than Detroit

Austin · 3 bedroom

$2,484

Detroit · 3 bedroom

$1,688

Austin is $796 (47%) higher than Detroit

Income & earnings in Austin vs Detroit

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Austin · Household income

$97,169

Detroit · Household income

$59,521

Austin is $37,648 (63%) higher than Detroit

Austin · Individual earnings

$55,186

Detroit · Individual earnings

$39,979

Austin is $15,207 (38%) higher than Detroit

Austin · Per capita

$59,289

Detroit · Per capita

$33,956

Austin is $25,333 (75%) higher than Detroit

Home values in Austin vs Detroit

Average values and property tax.

Austin · Average home value

$487,600

Detroit · Average home value

$170,200

Austin is $317,400 (186%) higher than Detroit

Austin · Annual property tax

$7,487

Detroit · Annual property tax

$2,794

Austin is $4,693 (168%) higher than Detroit

Energy in Austin vs Detroit

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Austin · Monthly electricity

$167

Detroit · Monthly electricity

$128

Austin is $39 (30%) higher than Detroit

Austin · Monthly gas

$32

Detroit · Monthly gas

$63

Detroit is $31 (97%) higher than Austin

Austin · Annual total

$2,388

Detroit · Annual total

$2,292

Austin is $96 (4%) higher than Detroit

Healthcare in Austin vs Detroit

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Austin · Individual premium

$480

Detroit · Individual premium

$480

Austin and Detroit are about the same

Austin · Family premium

$1,350

Detroit · Family premium

$1,350

Austin and Detroit are about the same

Austin · Uninsured rate

12.2%

Detroit · Uninsured rate

5.7%

Austin is 6.5% (114%) higher than Detroit

Taxes in Austin vs Detroit

State income and sales tax.

Austin · State income tax

0.0%

Detroit · State income tax

4.3%

Detroit is 4.3% higher than Austin

Austin · State sales tax

6.3%

Detroit · State sales tax

6.0%

Austin is 0.3% (4%) higher than Detroit

Austin · Combined sales tax

8.2%

Detroit · Combined sales tax

6.0%

Austin is 2.2% (36%) higher than Detroit

Transportation in Austin vs Detroit

Commute time and travel modes.

Austin · Average commute

25.4 min

Detroit · Average commute

25.0 min

Austin is 0.4 min (2%) higher than Detroit

Austin · Drive alone

59.7%

Detroit · Drive alone

73.0%

Detroit is 13.3% (22%) higher than Austin

Austin · Public transit

1.7%

Detroit · Public transit

2.2%

Detroit is 0.5% (29%) higher than Austin

Monthly cost estimates in Austin vs Detroit

All categories combined.

Austin · Single person

$3,706

Detroit · Single person

$3,088

Austin is $618 (20%) higher than Detroit

Austin · Couple

$5,280

Detroit · Couple

$4,346

Austin is $934 (21%) higher than Detroit

Austin · Family

$7,957

Detroit · Family

$6,789

Austin is $1,168 (17%) higher than Detroit

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Austin and Detroit.

Is Austin or Detroit more expensive?

Austin is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,706/mo in Austin, Texas and $3,088/mo in Detroit, Michigan, a difference of about 20%.

What is the rent difference between Austin and Detroit?

Average one-bedroom rent in Austin, Texas is $1,650/mo versus $1,090/mo in Detroit, Michigan. Austin is approximately $560 (51%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Austin or Detroit?

Austin has the higher average household income. Austin households earn approximately $97,169 per year; Detroit households earn approximately $59,521 per year.

More on Austin and Detroit

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Austin profile Detroit profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.