Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Detroit is 17% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno 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: Michigan salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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