salaryDetroit is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Washington to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,347
$2,370
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$2,192
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$118,495
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$737,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
108.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$4,312
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$96
👥 People living there
638,530
681,294
Commute to work
24.8 min
30 min
College degree
18.1%
64.2%
Own their home
50.3%
41.5%
Below poverty line
32.7%
15.4%
Unemployment
14%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Washington for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Detroit | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operations Manager | $104,010 | $156,460 | +50% in Washington |
| Lawyer | $134,980 | $195,190 | +45% in Washington |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | $119,170 | +41% in Washington |
| Accountant | $80,650 | $102,140 | +27% in Washington |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $46,040 | +23% in Washington |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $103,670 | $127,040 | +23% in Washington |
| Elementary School Teacher | $65,210 | $79,470 | +22% in Washington |
| Software Developer | $130,760 | $154,930 | +18% in Washington |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Washington cheaper to live in?
Detroit is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,347 a month there versus $2,370 in Washington.
What salary do I need in Washington to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $65,136 a year gives the same standard of living in Washington.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Washington?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $118,495 in Washington, 64% more in Washington.