salaryDetroit is 7% 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
$3,112
$1,347
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,153
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$43,073
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$83,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
100.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$1,402
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$196
👥 People living there
666,442
638,530
Commute to work
30.3 min
24.8 min
College degree
54.9%
18.1%
Own their home
35.7%
50.3%
Below poverty line
16.6%
32.7%
Unemployment
6.1%
14%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $65,210 | -33% in Detroit |
| Lawyer | $183,350 | $134,980 | -26% in Detroit |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $77,100 | -25% in Detroit |
| Medical Assistant | $50,740 | $39,410 | -22% in Detroit |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | $104,010 | -22% in Detroit |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $130,760 | -21% in Detroit |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | $103,670 | -20% in Detroit |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $63,170 | -20% in Detroit |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Detroit is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,347 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $55,584 a year gives the same standard of living in Detroit.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Detroit?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $43,073 in Detroit, 144% more in Boston.