Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Detroit is 16% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $62,972 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 · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Madison (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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