salaryDetroit is 11% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,347
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$109
👥 People living there
638,530
754,195
Commute to work
24.8 min
26 min
College degree
18.1%
68.4%
Own their home
50.3%
43.7%
Below poverty line
32.7%
9.9%
Unemployment
14%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Detroit | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $62,730 | $101,090 | +61% in Seattle |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | $133,740 | +58% in Seattle |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | $102,920 | +58% in Seattle |
| Medical Assistant | $39,410 | $61,500 | +56% in Seattle |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $57,280 | +53% in Seattle |
| Cashier | $30,090 | $44,210 | +47% in Seattle |
| Police Officer | $78,450 | $115,120 | +47% in Seattle |
| Operations Manager | $104,010 | $146,030 | +40% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Detroit is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,347 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $66,482 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Seattle?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $133,583 in Seattle, 68% more in Seattle.