Kept

City vs city

Detroit vs Austin

$100,000 in Detroit buys a lifestyle closer to $132,000 in Austin, because Austin's cost-of-living index is 119 versus 90.

Detroit

Low housing costs, city income tax, and a 4.25% state flat tax.

COL index
90
Typical 1-bed
$1,200/mo
Comfortable salary
$77,000
$100k take-home
$72,781
Full Detroit guide

Austin

No state income tax. Rents fell from the 2022 peak but remain above most Texas metros.

COL index
119
Typical 1-bed
$1,650/mo
Comfortable salary
$101,000
$100k take-home
$79,180
Full Austin guide

More comparisons: vs New York Cityvs San Franciscovs San Josevs Oaklandvs Los Angelesvs San Diego