Detroit, Michigan has an overall cost of living index of 96.3, which is 3.7 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,034 per month, while the typical home is valued around $76,800. Households earn a median of $39,575 per year, so rent absorbs a relatively high share of local income. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 32. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$39,575
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,034
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$76,800
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
96.3
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,009
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,122
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,411
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,724
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
96.3
Goods
94.7
Rents / Housing
94.2
Services
101.9
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
4.25%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $114,870 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $87,620 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $67,720 |
| ⚡Electrician | $69,300 |
| 📊Accountant | $87,920 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
636,644
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.1 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
32.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Detroit?
Detroit has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 96.3. The US national average is 100, so Detroit is 3.7 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Detroit?
The median gross rent in Detroit is $1,034 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Detroit?
The median household income in Detroit is $39,575 per year.
What is the median home value in Detroit?
The median home value in Detroit is $76,800 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Detroit?
Detroit has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Detroit?
Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology