Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Detroit is 14% more affordable than Provo. A $75,000 salary in Provo is equivalent to $64,183 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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