Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Detroit is 3% more affordable than Syracuse. A $75,000 salary in Syracuse is equivalent to $72,554 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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