salaryChattanooga is 10% 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
$1,537
$1,347
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,305
$1,153
💵 Families earn per year
$69,588
$43,073
🔑 Buying a house
$283,200
$83,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.5
100.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,265
$1,402
⚡ Electric bill per month
$139
$196
👥 People living there
185,783
638,530
Commute to work
18.5 min
24.8 min
College degree
36%
18.1%
Own their home
52.4%
50.3%
Below poverty line
19.1%
32.7%
Unemployment
5.4%
14%
Bottom line
- Pick Chattanooga for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chattanooga | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $24,240 | $37,490 | +55% in Detroit |
| Police Officer | $51,330 | $78,450 | +53% in Detroit |
| Plumber | $58,720 | $86,370 | +47% in Detroit |
| Firefighter | $46,060 | $62,730 | +36% in Detroit |
| Carpenter | $50,760 | $65,810 | +30% in Detroit |
| HVAC Technician | $50,950 | $63,170 | +24% in Detroit |
| Software Developer | $106,750 | $130,760 | +22% in Detroit |
| Registered Nurse | $79,770 | $97,280 | +22% in Detroit |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chattanooga or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Chattanooga is about 10% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,537 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match $60,000 in Chattanooga?
About $65,795 a year gives the same standard of living in Detroit.
Where do people earn more, Chattanooga or Detroit?
The typical household earns $69,588 in Chattanooga and $43,073 in Detroit, 62% more in Chattanooga.