Cost of Living Comparison for Detroit, MI
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Detroit's cost of living index is 88 — 12% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Detroit local data
How Detroit Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Detroit stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Detroit, MI | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $215,000 | $420,800 | -48.9% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $900 | $1,713 | -47.5% |
| Median Household Income | $57,400 | $74,580 | -23.0% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.60% | 1.10% | +45.5% |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Detroit Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 4,410,000
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg Commute
- 26 min
- Median Age
- 34.6
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 19.9x
- Annual Property Tax
- $3,440
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Michigan Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Detroit
What is the median home price in Detroit, MI?
The median home price in Detroit is $215,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Detroit?
Median monthly rent in Detroit is $900. That works out to $10,800/year, or 19% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Detroit affordable?
Detroit's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $57,400/year and a median home price of $215,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.7x. Detroit remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Detroit?
The effective property tax rate in Detroit is 1.60% of assessed value. On the median home of $215,000, that's roughly $3,440/year ($287/month).