Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Detroit is 21% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $59,598 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 Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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