salaryColumbus is 12% 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
$1,314
$1,347
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$1,153
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$43,073
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$83,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
100.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$1,402
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$196
👥 People living there
203,711
638,530
Commute to work
20.9 min
24.8 min
College degree
30.5%
18.1%
Own their home
50.8%
50.3%
Below poverty line
19%
32.7%
Unemployment
6.3%
14%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
- Pick Detroit for cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $47,410 | $86,370 | +82% in Detroit |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $37,490 | +80% in Detroit |
| Electrician | $50,730 | $81,990 | +62% in Detroit |
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $78,450 | +57% in Detroit |
| Carpenter | $45,070 | $65,810 | +46% in Detroit |
| HVAC Technician | $46,780 | $63,170 | +35% in Detroit |
| Lawyer | $104,120 | $134,980 | +30% in Detroit |
| Firefighter | $48,770 | $62,730 | +29% in Detroit |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $67,392 a year gives the same standard of living in Detroit.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Detroit?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $43,073 in Detroit, 45% more in Columbus.