Median rent is 29% lower in Detroit ($1,074/mo vs $1,509/mo). Buying is cheaper in Detroit, where the median home runs $83,900 versus $303,000. Households earn more in Fort Worth ($79,507 vs $39,938 a year). Taken together, Detroit is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.2 against 102.5 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fort Worth, TX.
Cost of living verdict
Detroit is 4% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 98.2 in Detroit vs 102.5 in Fort Worth (US national average = 100)
City A
Detroit, MI
City B
Fort Worth, TX
How much would you need to earn in Fort Worth, TX to maintain your standard of living from Detroit, MI?
Equivalent salary in Fort Worth, TX
$78,287
You'd need $3,287 more (4% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Detroit
Michigan
Fort Worth
Texas
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Detroit — median rent of $1,074/mo versus $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Fort Worth: the median home is $303,000 versus $83,900 in Detroit — 72% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Detroit
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Fort Worth
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Detroit (avg AQI 51.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Detroit if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.2 vs 102.5).
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,507/yr).
Pick Detroit if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,074/mo median).
Is Detroit cheaper than Fort Worth?
Detroit is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.2 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Detroit.
How much is rent in Detroit vs Fort Worth?
Median rent is $1,074/mo in Detroit, MI and $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, TX. Detroit, MI has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Detroit or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $39,938 in Detroit, MI and $79,507 in Fort Worth, TX. Fort Worth, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Detroit or Fort Worth?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Detroit income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Detroit, MI is equivalent to roughly $104,382 in Fort Worth, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
