Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Detroit is 20% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $60,135 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 Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $385,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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