Detroit, Michigan has an overall cost of living index of 98.2, which is 1.8 points below the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,074 per month, while the typical home is valued around $83,900. Households earn a median of $39,938 per year, so rent absorbs a relatively high share of local income. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 51. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$39,938
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,074
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$83,900
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
98.2
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
98.2
Goods
97.9
Rents / Housing
93.1
Services
106.8
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $120,520 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $92,680 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $69,550 |
| ⚡Electrician | $75,730 |
| 📊Accountant | $91,040 |
| 🔧Plumber | $76,710 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $166,070 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $94,800 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $135,830 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $82,160 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $127,670 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $56,190 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $128,270 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
638,530
Latest estimate
Median Age
35.2 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
51.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
42
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$1,047
Per month
Avg Home Value
$125,760
Census ACS
January Avg
24°F
July Avg
75°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Continental · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
30.8
poor
Hospitals
10
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
92.6%
What is the cost of living index for Detroit?
Detroit has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 98.2. The US national average is 100, so Detroit is 1.8 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Detroit?
The median gross rent in Detroit is $1,074 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Detroit?
The median household income in Detroit is $39,938 per year.
What is the median home value in Detroit?
The median home value in Detroit is $83,900 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Detroit?
Detroit has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 51.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Detroit?
Tax data for Michigan is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
