Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 18.6% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $1395 per month.

What salary do I need in Detroit, MI to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $133,265.495 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI?

Housing in Detroit, MI is 49.2% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI?

Moving from Chicago, IL to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $1395 per month, or $16735 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.4K/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.3K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 18.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,395

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.7K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:81

Median Home:$86K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

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: Chicago, IL vs Detroit, MI

Category	Chicago, IL	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $1,507less	49.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $109less	6.5%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $83.70less	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$949/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$557/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$564/mo	↓ $30.98less	5.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 49.2%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$1,507

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$109

less

📦Other

↓ 4.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$83.70

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$79.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

Chicago, IL

$519

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$38.25

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.2%

Chicago, IL

$595

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$30.98

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Chicago, IL 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$1,600

To$875

↓ $725

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$975

↓ $735

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,225

↓ $700

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,495

↓ $985

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$1,773

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Detroit

$305K

Median Value

$86K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 72% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago 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

$87.50

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.