Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Detroit is 18% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $61,806 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Detroit sits at 60 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $65,000 in Detroit, a difference of $295,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,000 in Detroit.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Detroit scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Detroit (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $34,762 in Detroit. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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