Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Detroit is 11% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $66,750 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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Detroit sits at 60 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $65,000 in Detroit, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,000 in Detroit.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Detroit scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Detroit (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $34,762 in Detroit. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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