Auburn Hills, MI vs Houghton, MI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Houghton is 23.3% cheaper than Auburn Hills. With a cost index of 78 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Houghton to Auburn Hills should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn Hills is $1,411/month compared to $861/month in Houghton — a 64% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Houghton is more affordable at $233,700 median vs $233,900.

Median household income in Auburn Hills is $78,727 compared to $35,417 in Houghton (+122.3%). While Auburn Hills is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn Hills spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, less than the 29.2% in Houghton.