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Detroit vs Los Angeles: which is cheaper?

Detroit is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $67,937 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

Pay for the same job

JobDetroitLos AngelesDifference
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.

More comparisons

All Detroit comparisons → · All Los Angeles comparisons →

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