Cost of Living in Detroit, MI
Population 636,644 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Detroit's median household income of $39,575 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (32% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 14.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Detroit
The median home value in Detroit is $76,800 — 75% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,034/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,575/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 58.7°F and lows of 42.3°F. Overall, Detroit has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 35 | 45 | 58 | 70 | 79 | 84 | 81 | 74 | 61 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 20 | 21 | 28 | 39 | 50 | 60 | 65 | 64 | 56 | 45 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 1.45 | 1.41 | 2.02 | 2.82 | 3.49 | 3.10 | 3.22 | 3.10 | 3.09 | 2.30 | 2.16 | 1.73 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI?
Detroit has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Detroit, MI?
The median gross rent in Detroit is $1,034 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Detroit?
The median home value in Detroit is $76,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Detroit?
The median household income in Detroit is $39,575 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Detroit, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Detroit is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Detroit, MI affordable?
Yes, Detroit is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Detroit?
Detroit has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 42.3°F. Annual precipitation is 29.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Detroit at a Glance
- Population
- 636,644
- Median Income
- $39,575
- Home Value
- $76,800
- Median Rent
- $1,034/mo
- Unemployment
- 14.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data