Quick answer
Overall prices in the Detroit, MI metro were 100.3 vs 98.1 in Austin, TX in 2024 (US = 100), so Detroit is 2.3% more expensive than Austin; housing rents differ by 21% (94.7 vs 120.4). A $75,000 income in Detroit buys about what $73,331 buys in Austin, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Detroit | Austin | Detroit vs Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 100.3 | 98.1 | +2.3% |
| Goods | 98.8 | 93.8 | +5.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 94.7 | 120.4 | -21.3% |
| Utilities | 107.0 | 82.0 | +30.4% |
| Other services | 102.6 | 96.2 | +6.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 100.6 | 99.6 | +1.0% |
| $50,000 in Detroit equals in Austin | $48,887 | ||
| $100,000 in Detroit equals in Austin | $97,775 | ||
| $150,000 in Detroit equals in Austin | $146,662 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.