Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Detroit is 30% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $52,148 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $435,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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