salaryDetroit is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Oakland to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,347
$2,511
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$2,352
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$109,576
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$929,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$8,575
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$127
👥 People living there
638,530
439,418
Commute to work
24.8 min
29.8 min
College degree
18.1%
48.7%
Own their home
50.3%
42.3%
Below poverty line
32.7%
13.4%
Unemployment
14%
6.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Oakland for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Detroit | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $97,280 | $186,610 | +92% in Oakland |
| Firefighter | $62,730 | $113,700 | +81% in Oakland |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | $146,760 | +74% in Oakland |
| Police Officer | $78,450 | $132,000 | +68% in Oakland |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,390 | $219,080 | +63% in Oakland |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,100 | $123,250 | +60% in Oakland |
| Lawyer | $134,980 | $212,500 | +57% in Oakland |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | $101,860 | +56% in Oakland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Detroit is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,347 a month there versus $2,511 in Oakland.
What salary do I need in Oakland to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $69,162 a year gives the same standard of living in Oakland.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Oakland?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $109,576 in Oakland, 61% more in Oakland.