The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered. We are providing additional data around those topics that can be helpful to gauge your particular situation. The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make living cost comparisons easily and quickly.

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered. We are providing additional data around those topics that can be helpful to gauge your particular situation. The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make living cost comparisons easily and quickly.

Cost of Living in Detroit, MI

Cost of Living in Detroit, MI is

-2.7% Lower

than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Detroit, MI increase in 2024? Detroit, MI area prices were up 1.2% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.

By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!

About Detroit, Michigan Detroit (/dɪˈtrɔɪt/, locally also /ˈdiːtrɔɪt/; French: Détroit, lit. 'strait') is the largest and most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan, th....More

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Michigan's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $10.33 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Calculator

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Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State	Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA	Compared to national average + 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC	Compared to national average + 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL	Compared to national average + 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL	Compared to national average + 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA	Compared to national average + 53.1%
City, State New York, NY	Compared to national average + 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX	Compared to national average + 7.0%

Cost of Living Detroit, MI by Expense Category

Category	Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy	Compared to national average -7.3%
CategoryFood	Compared to national average -13.0%
CategoryHealthcare	Compared to national average -9.8%
CategoryHousing	Compared to national average -6.8%
CategoryTransportation	Compared to national average + 15.7%

Cost of Living Comparison with Detroit, MI

If you move to Detroit from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.

Move From	Move To	Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA	Move ToDetroit, MI	Cost Of Living Comparision -89.2%
Move FromWashington, DC	Move ToDetroit, MI	Cost Of Living Comparision -47.9%
Move FromMiami, FL	Move ToDetroit, MI	Cost Of Living Comparision -18.0%
Move FromChicago, IL	Move ToDetroit, MI	Cost Of Living Comparision -15.1%
Move FromBoston, MA	Move ToDetroit, MI	Cost Of Living Comparision -55.8%
Move FromNew York, NY	Move ToDetroit, MI	Cost Of Living Comparision -79.7%
Move FromDallas, TX	Move ToDetroit, MI	Cost Of Living Comparision -9.7%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:

If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!

If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.

About Detroit, MI

Detroit (/dɪˈtrɔɪt/, locally also /ˈdiːtrɔɪt/; French: Détroit, lit. 'strait') is the largest and most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan, the largest United States city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of Wayne County. The municipality of Detroit had a 2017 estimated population of 673,104, making it the 23rd-most populous city in the United States. The metropolitan area, known as Metro Detroit, is home to 4.3 million people, making it the second-largest in the Midwest after the Chicago metropolitan area. Regarded as a major cultural center, Detroit is known for its co...

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

Comments about the Cost of Living in Detroit, MI

What are the cheapest grocery stores?

Some stores like Price Chopper offer frequent discounts or loyalty programs that can save you even more at the checkout. Since groceries are an essential part of you cost of living, take advantage of discounts whenever you can. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Detroit, MI?

If you love sports, you will love Detroit, MI! Since there are football, baseball, basketball, hockey teams, you can go to a lot of games. Keep in mind that the tickets tend to be expensive, so you need to manage your entertainment budget carefully. Sometimes you can get discount tickets on line. Some people purchase a season ticket with a group of friends and take turns going to the games. Sports tickets can increase your cost of living in Detroit, MI, but if you are a true sports fan it is worth it. In Detroit, MI, the games are usually shown on local TV and you can host a party of friends and watch the game together. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there any good ways to save money on Cable TV and internet service in Detroit, MI?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there any tips that will help make the move to Detroit, Michigan easier for my child?

Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Detroit, Michigan to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Is the cost of electricity in Detroit, Michigan expected to change in the future?

The cost of electricity in Michigan has gone up by 1.324% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

My kids are important, how much of my cost of living should I estimate I will need to spend on child care in Detroit, MI?

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Detroit child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $9882 per year. Michigan, is ranked NO. 22 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What are rents like in Detroit,MI?

In Detroit,MI, my friend pays $1786 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I need to keep my cost of living under control, is there a lot to do in Detroit, Michigan that is not very expensive?

Looks for areas of Detroit, Michigan where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Detroit, MI to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I hate to drive in traffic, does Detroit have traffic problems?

If you are planning to drive to work, you will be spending a lot of time and gas to get there. Detroit, Michigan is one of the Worst cities in the United States for driving. Detroit, Michigan is ranked number 100 out of 100 major cities. Plan on spending more on gas and auto expenses if you move to Detroit, Michigan, resulting in a higher cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How long does it take to get to work in Detroit, Michigan on average?

Getting to work is important. The weather, traffic, time of year, day of week and if there are accidents, can all impact your commute time. Hopefully you will have a smooth commute in Detroit, Michigan, but be prepared for delays. The time you spend commuting is time you do not have to do other things, so it is valuable. The average time for commuting in Detroit is 47.43 minutes. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Cost of living in Detroit, Michigan is important, but what about the weather?

Detroit, Michigan is considered to have one of the COLDEST climates in the country. On average there are 115 days each year that are below freezing. Keep in mind that a cold climate could result in increased heating expenses that will impact the cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much is a monthly pass for public transit in Detroit, Michigan?

The cost of a monthly transit pass in Detroit, MI is around $49.50. Ask your employer if they offer discounted passes to save even more money and reduce your cost of commuting and overall Cost of Living (COL). ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Last Update: 2024-04-24