salaryColumbus 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
$1,611
$1,347
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$1,153
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$43,073
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$83,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
100.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$1,402
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$196
👥 People living there
914,802
638,530
Commute to work
21.5 min
24.8 min
College degree
38.2%
18.1%
Own their home
44.1%
50.3%
Below poverty line
18.1%
32.7%
Unemployment
5.1%
14%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus 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 | Columbus | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,260 | $86,370 | +37% in Detroit |
| Electrician | $64,700 | $81,990 | +27% in Detroit |
| Police Officer | $100,890 | $78,450 | -22% in Detroit |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,150 | $65,210 | -17% in Detroit |
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $97,280 | +16% in Detroit |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,880 | $84,480 | -13% in Detroit |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,910 | $69,300 | +12% in Detroit |
| Medical Assistant | $44,140 | $39,410 | -11% in Detroit |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,611 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $63,035 a year gives the same standard of living in Detroit.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Detroit?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $43,073 in Detroit, 65% more in Columbus.