salaryBuffalo is 5% 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
$1,397
$1,347
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,121
$1,153
💵 Families earn per year
$53,969
$43,073
🔑 Buying a house
$164,200
$83,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.8
100.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,622
$1,402
⚡ Electric bill per month
$99
$196
👥 People living there
276,854
638,530
Commute to work
19.9 min
24.8 min
College degree
31.2%
18.1%
Own their home
43%
50.3%
Below poverty line
26%
32.7%
Unemployment
7.3%
14%
Bottom line
- Pick Buffalo for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Buffalo | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $72,230 | $86,370 | +20% in Detroit |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $46,580 | $37,490 | -20% in Detroit |
| Firefighter | $74,470 | $62,730 | -16% in Detroit |
| Elementary School Teacher | $76,490 | $65,210 | -15% in Detroit |
| Medical Assistant | $44,650 | $39,410 | -12% in Detroit |
| Cashier | $33,850 | $30,090 | -11% in Detroit |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,370 | $69,300 | +9% in Detroit |
| Warehouse Worker | $43,130 | $40,330 | -6% in Detroit |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Buffalo is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,397 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match $60,000 in Buffalo?
About $62,788 a year gives the same standard of living in Detroit.
Where do people earn more, Buffalo or Detroit?
The typical household earns $53,969 in Buffalo and $43,073 in Detroit, 25% more in Buffalo.