Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Detroit is 16% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $62,972 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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