Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Detroit is 28% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $54,268 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $515,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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