Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 20.0% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $1500 per month.

What salary do I need in Detroit, MI to live like I do in Denver, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $132,000 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Detroit, MI?

Housing in Detroit, MI is 52.0% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denver, CO to Detroit, MI?

Moving from Denver, CO to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $1500 per month, or $18000 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $132.0K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 20.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,500

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.0K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:80

Median Home:$86K

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

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: Denver, CO vs Detroit, MI

Category	Denver, CO	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $1,689less	52.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $109more	7.5%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $100less	5.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$949/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$564/mo	↓ $68.15less	10.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$557/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 52.0%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$1,689

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.5%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$109

📦Other

↓ 5.7%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$100

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$79.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.8%

Denver, CO

$632

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$68.15

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

Denver, CO

$519

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$38.25

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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

Net difference+$3,531/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,720

To$875

↓ $845

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$975

↓ $865

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,225

↓ $965

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$1,495

↓ $1,375

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$1,790

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Detroit

$513K

Median Value

$86K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 83% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $225

Per year

Monthly Difference

$18.75

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.