Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Detroit is 9% more affordable than Spokane. A $75,000 salary in Spokane is equivalent to $68,112 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $245,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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