Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Detroit is 24% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $57,051 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 Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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