Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Detroit is 11% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $66,750 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 Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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