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Birmingham vs Detroit: which is cheaper?

Birmingham is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $65,666 in Detroit to live the same way.

🏠 Rent per month
$1,291
$1,347
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,126
$1,153
💵 Families earn per year
$49,666
$43,073
🔑 Buying a house
$158,800
$83,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.6
100.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$997
$1,402
⚡ Electric bill per month
$175
$196
👥 People living there
198,173
638,530
Commute to work
20.8 min
24.8 min
College degree
31.1%
18.1%
Own their home
45.5%
50.3%
Below poverty line
24.7%
32.7%
Unemployment
5.8%
14%

Bottom line

Pay for the same job

JobBirminghamDetroitDifference
Electrician$56,630$81,990+45% in Detroit
Plumber$60,090$86,370+44% in Detroit
Dental Hygienist$61,730$84,480+37% in Detroit
Server (Waiter/Waitress)$27,670$37,490+35% in Detroit
Carpenter$50,400$65,810+31% in Detroit
HVAC Technician$48,740$63,170+30% in Detroit
Police Officer$60,590$78,450+29% in Detroit
Physician Assistant$105,440$131,830+25% in Detroit

Frequently asked questions

Is Birmingham or Detroit cheaper to live in?

Birmingham is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,291 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.

What salary do I need in Detroit to match $60,000 in Birmingham?

About $65,666 a year gives the same standard of living in Detroit.

Where do people earn more, Birmingham or Detroit?

The typical household earns $49,666 in Birmingham and $43,073 in Detroit, 15% more in Birmingham.

More comparisons

All Birmingham comparisons → · All Detroit comparisons →

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