Median rent is 18% lower in Detroit ($1,034/mo vs $1,264/mo). Buying is cheaper in Detroit, where the median home runs $76,800 versus $205,900. Households earn more in Dearborn ($65,192 vs $39,575 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.3).
City A
Dearborn, MI
City B
Detroit, MI
How much would you need to earn in Detroit, MI to maintain your standard of living from Dearborn, MI?
Equivalent salary in Detroit, MI
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Dearborn
Michigan
Detroit
Michigan
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Detroit at $1,034/mo compared to $1,264/mo in Dearborn (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Dearborn: the median home is $205,900 versus $76,800 in Detroit — 63% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 4.25% in Michigan, so Detroit is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 6.00% in Michigan; Detroit has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Dearborn
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Detroit
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Detroit (avg AQI 32.0) but not yet for Dearborn.
Pick Dearborn if you prioritize higher median household income ($65,192/yr).
Pick Detroit if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,034/mo median).
Is Dearborn cheaper than Detroit?
Dearborn is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.3 versus 96.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Dearborn.
How much is rent in Dearborn vs Detroit?
Median rent is $1,264/mo in Dearborn, MI and $1,034/mo in Detroit, MI. Detroit, MI has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Dearborn or Detroit?
Median household income is $65,192 in Dearborn, MI and $39,575 in Detroit, MI. Dearborn, MI has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Dearborn or Detroit?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Michigan's is 4.25%. Detroit, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match my Dearborn income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Dearborn, MI is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Detroit, MI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology