Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Detroit is 12% more affordable than Las Vegas. A $75,000 salary in Las Vegas is equivalent to $66,089 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Las Vegas sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $350,000 in Las Vegas, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,400 in Las Vegas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Las Vegas scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Las Vegas (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $56,415 in Las Vegas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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