Median rent is 27% lower in Warren ($759/mo vs $1,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in Detroit, where the median home runs $76,800 versus $80,100. Households earn more in Detroit ($39,575 vs $36,955 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.3).
City A
Detroit, MI
City B
Warren, OH
How much would you need to earn in Warren, OH to maintain your standard of living from Detroit, MI?
Equivalent salary in Warren, OH
$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
Detroit
Michigan
Warren
Ohio
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Warren — median rent of $759/mo versus $1,034/mo in Detroit, a 27% difference. Median home values are within 4% of each other: $76,800 in Detroit and $80,100 in Warren.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 3.50% in Ohio, so Warren is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 5.75% in Ohio; Warren has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Detroit
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Warren
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Air quality data is available for Detroit (avg AQI 32.0) but not yet for Warren.
Pick Detroit if you prioritize higher median household income ($39,575/yr).
Pick Warren if you prioritize cheaper rent ($759/mo median).
Pick Warren if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.50%).
Is Detroit cheaper than Warren?
Detroit 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 Detroit.
How much is rent in Detroit vs Warren?
Median rent is $1,034/mo in Detroit, MI and $759/mo in Warren, OH. Warren, OH has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Detroit or Warren?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit, MI and $36,955 in Warren, OH. Detroit, 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 — Detroit or Warren?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Ohio's is 3.50%. Warren, OH has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Warren to match my Detroit income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Detroit, MI is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Warren, OH (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