Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
46% cheaper
Detroit is 46% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $40,211 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $785,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Detroit scores 98 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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