Median rent is 33% lower in Warren ($1,184/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Warren, where the median home runs $181,900 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $63,741 a year). Taken together, Warren is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.3 against 113.0 — about 15% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Warren is 15% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.3 in Warren vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Warren, MI
How much would you need to earn in Warren, MI to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Warren, MI
$63,901
You could earn $11,099 less (15% lower) and break even.
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
New York
New York
Warren
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Warren — median rent of $1,184/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 33% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $181,900 in Warren — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 4.25% in Michigan, so Warren is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.00% in Michigan; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Warren
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Warren.
Pick Warren if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.3 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Warren if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,184/mo median).
Pick Warren if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is New York cheaper than Warren?
Warren is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.3 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 15% lower in Warren.
How much is rent in New York vs Warren?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,184/mo in Warren, MI. Warren, MI has the lower rent by about 33%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Warren?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $63,741 in Warren, MI. New York, NY 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 — New York or Warren?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and Michigan's is 4.25%. Warren, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Warren to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $85,201 in Warren, 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