Detroit vs Austin: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Comparing home values: Detroit sits at $66,700, 86% lower than Austin's $461,500.
Detroit's median household income runs $37,761, against $86,556 in Austin.
Median rent is $989 in Detroit, compared with $1,549 in Austin.
FEMA rates both cities' overall hazard risk as "Relatively High."
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,787 | 958,202 |
| Median home value | $66,700 | $461,500 |
| Median household income | $37,761 | $86,556 |
| Median gross rent | $989 | $1,549 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
Austin, TX runs higher than Detroit, MI on both median home value and rent — a clear housing-cost edge for Detroit, MI, though only on housing.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.