Detroit is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Los Angeles to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,347
$2,498
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$2,339
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$88,371
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$921,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$6,050
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$151
👥 People living there
638,530
3,857,263
Commute to work
24.8 min
30.7 min
College degree
18.1%
38.5%
Own their home
50.3%
36%
Below poverty line
32.7%
16.5%
Unemployment
14%
8.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Los Angeles for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Detroit | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $62,730 | $98,050 | +56% in Los Angeles |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | $101,860 | +56% in Los Angeles |
| Police Officer | $78,450 | $121,980 | +55% in Los Angeles |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | $122,980 | +46% in Los Angeles |
| Lawyer | $134,980 | $194,410 | +44% in Los Angeles |
| Registered Nurse | $97,280 | $135,560 | +39% in Los Angeles |
| Software Developer | $130,760 | $160,920 | +23% in Los Angeles |
| Cashier | $30,090 | $36,980 | +23% in Los Angeles |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Detroit is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,347 a month there versus $2,498 in Los Angeles.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $67,937 a year gives the same standard of living in Los Angeles.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Los Angeles?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $88,371 in Los Angeles, 51% more in Los Angeles.