Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 40.9% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $3070 per month.

What salary do I need in Detroit, MI to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $113,154.362 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Detroit, MI?

Housing in Detroit, MI is 70.4% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Detroit, MI?

Moving from Boston, MA to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $3070 per month, or $36846 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.2K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,070

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:59

Median Home:$86K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Detroit, MI

Category	Boston, MA	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $3,716less	70.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $260less	14.2%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$564/mo	↓ $180less	24.2%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$557/mo	↓ $158less	22.1%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $151less	8.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$949/mo	↓ $130less	12.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 70.4%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$3,716

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.2%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$260

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 24.2%

Boston, MA

$743

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$180

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 22.1%

Boston, MA

$716

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$158

less

📦Other

↓ 8.3%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$151

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.0%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$130

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

Boston, MA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$875

↓ $2,220

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$975

↓ $2,280

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,225

↓ $2,640

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$1,495

↓ $3,135

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$4,594

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Detroit

$961K

Median Value

$86K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 91% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Detroit

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$93.75

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.