salaryDetroit is 3% 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
$1,983
$1,347
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,153
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$43,073
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$83,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
100.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$1,402
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$196
👥 People living there
2,711,226
638,530
Commute to work
33.1 min
24.8 min
College degree
44.3%
18.1%
Own their home
46%
50.3%
Below poverty line
16.8%
32.7%
Unemployment
8%
14%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago 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 | Chicago | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $78,450 | -27% in Detroit |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $62,730 | -24% in Detroit |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $37,490 | +20% in Detroit |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $81,990 | -20% in Detroit |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $63,170 | -19% in Detroit |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $134,980 | -19% in Detroit |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $65,810 | -18% in Detroit |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $65,210 | -17% in Detroit |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Detroit is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,347 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $58,090 a year gives the same standard of living in Detroit.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Detroit?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $43,073 in Detroit, 95% more in Chicago.