Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Detroit is 16% more affordable than Minneapolis. A $75,000 salary in Minneapolis 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 · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Minneapolis sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $310,000 in Minneapolis, a difference of $245,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,500 in Minneapolis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while Minneapolis scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Minneapolis (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $64,285 in Minneapolis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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