salaryDetroit is the largest city in Michigan that we track, with 638,530 residents. Rent is lower than in 66% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $53,880 a year. That is $26 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Michigan cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Michigan. It is number 93 of 179 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Detroit with other big cities
Compare Detroit to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Detroit?
Share of households by yearly income. 9.6% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Detroit
| Size | Detroit | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $952 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $887 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,153 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,369 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,491 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Detroit overall?
Everyday prices in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area are same as the U.S. average (index 100.3, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Detroit
Life in Detroit
What jobs pay in Detroit
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $137,770 | 11.7% |
| Lawyer | $134,980 | 12.0% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,390 | 12.0% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,830 | 12.3% |
| Software Developer | $130,760 | 12.4% |
| Operations Manager | $104,010 | 15.5% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,670 | 15.6% |
| Registered Nurse | $97,280 | 16.6% |
| Civil Engineer | $92,550 | 17.5% |
| Plumber | $86,370 | 18.7% |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | 19.1% |
| Electrician | $81,990 | 19.7% |
| Accountant | $80,650 | 20.0% |
| Police Officer | $78,450 | 20.6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,100 | 21.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $69,300 | 23.3% |
| Carpenter | $65,810 | 24.6% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | 24.8% |
| HVAC Technician | $63,170 | 25.6% |
| Firefighter | $62,730 | 25.8% |
| Truck Driver | $59,120 | 27.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $44,730 | 36.1% |
| Warehouse Worker | $40,330 | 40.1% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,900 | 40.5% |
| Medical Assistant | $39,410 | 41.0% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | 43.1% |
| Restaurant Cook | $37,410 | 43.2% |
| Retail Salesperson | $35,130 | 46.0% |
| Cashier | $30,090 | 53.7% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Detroit?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $765 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $83,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $8,390 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Detroit, MI?
Renting in Detroit costs a median of about $1,347 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Michigan median is $1,314.
How much do I need to make to live in Detroit?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $53,880 a year, or $26 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Detroit cheap or expensive?
Detroit is rated Expensive: rent takes 37.5% of the typical household income of $43,073. It ranks 93rd cheapest of 179 Michigan cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Detroit?
The median homeowner in Detroit pays $1,402 a year in property taxes, about 1.67% of the median home value.
Is Detroit more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are same as the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Detroit?
The median home value in Detroit is $83,900, about 1.9 times the typical yearly household income.
638,530 people live in Detroit. Numbers are typical (middle) values.