Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Detroit is 17% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $62,383 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Detroit sits at 60 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $65,000 in Detroit, a difference of $245,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,000 in Detroit.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Detroit scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Detroit (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $34,762 in Detroit. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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