MoveNumbers

Detroit, MI

Tap to swap

Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $5.2K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $212.4K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area
Overall Cost
69.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$5,199
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$62.4K
Per year

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

Detroit, MI

Population:639K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$86K

Boston, MA

Population:685K
Cost Index:169
Median Home:$961K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Boston, MA

🏠Housing
238.3%
Detroit, MI
$1,559
Boston, MA
$5,275
Difference
$3,716
more
🚗Transportation
16.5%
Detroit, MI
$1,571
Boston, MA
$1,830
Difference
$260
more
🏥Healthcare
31.9%
Detroit, MI
$564
Boston, MA
$743
Difference
$180
more
All Utilities
28.4%
Detroit, MI
$557
Boston, MA
$716
Difference
$158
more
📦Other
9.0%
Detroit, MI
$1,674
Boston, MA
$1,825
Difference
$151
more
🛒Groceries
13.7%
Detroit, MI
$949
Boston, MA
$1,079
Difference
$130
more

🏛️ 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$875
To$3,095
$2,220
1 Bed
From$975
To$3,255
$2,280
2 Bed
From$1,225
To$3,865
$2,640
3 Bed
From$1,495
To$4,630
$3,135
Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830$1,690/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560$3,710/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.

$6,875
Monthly in Detroit, MI
$11,469
Monthly in Boston, MA
$4,594
Difference

Home Values

Detroit
Boston
$86K
Median Value
$961K
↓ -3.3%
YoY Change
↓ -0.7%
↑ +15.3%
5-Year Change
↑ +7%
$48K - $415K
Price Range
$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 1024% more expensive than Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.1K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$93.75
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.8%
Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.

Environment

Detroit
Boston
55 Moderate
Air Quality
36 Good
32.8%
Good Air Days
79.5%
99 High
Climate Risk
94 Moderate
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
6 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Michigan and Massachusetts on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Detroit, MI on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Boston, MA

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison