Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Detroit is 17% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $62,383 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Detroit sits at 60 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $65,000 in Detroit, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,000 in Detroit.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Detroit scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Detroit (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $34,762 in Detroit. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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