Quick answer
Overall prices in the Houston, TX metro were 98.6 vs 100.3 in Detroit, MI in 2024 (US = 100), so Houston is 1.7% less expensive than Detroit; housing rents differ by 10% (104.5 vs 94.7). A $75,000 income in Houston buys about what $76,269 buys in Detroit, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Houston | Detroit | Houston vs Detroit |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 98.6 | 100.3 | -1.7% |
| Goods | 100.6 | 98.8 | +1.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 104.5 | 94.7 | +10.4% |
| Utilities | 95.3 | 107.0 | -10.9% |
| Other services | 95.6 | 102.6 | -6.8% |
| All items, 2008 | 99.4 | 100.6 | -1.1% |
| $50,000 in Houston equals in Detroit | $50,846 | ||
| $100,000 in Houston equals in Detroit | $101,692 | ||
| $150,000 in Houston equals in Detroit | $152,538 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.