Birmingham is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need 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
- Pick Birmingham for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
- Pick Detroit for cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Birmingham | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.