Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Detroit is 17% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $62,383 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 Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $375,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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