Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Detroit is 6% more affordable than Greenville. A $75,000 salary in Greenville is equivalent to $70,263 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 · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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