Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Detroit is 11% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $66,750 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 · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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