Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Detroit, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 22.8% more expensive than Detroit, MI. This translates to spending an extra $1713 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Detroit, MI, you'd need approximately $170,556.818 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Chicago, IL is 96.7% more expensive than in Detroit, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $1,225/month in Detroit, MI.

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

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $1713 more per month than Detroit, MI, or $20557 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Detroit, MI

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Detroit, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.6K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area

Overall Cost

↑ 22.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,713

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$20.6K

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:123

Median Home:$305K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Chicago, IL

Category	Detroit, MI	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,559/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $1,507more	96.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $109more	7.0%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $83.70more	5.0%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $79.94more	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.9%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$595/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 96.7%

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$1,507

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.0%

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$109

📦Other

↑ 5.0%

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$83.70

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.4%

Detroit, MI

$949

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$79.94

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Detroit, MI

$557

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$38.25

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.5%

Detroit, MI

$564

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$30.98

🏛️ 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$875

To$1,600

↑ $725

1 Bed

From$975

To$1,710

↑ $735

2 Bed

From$1,225

To$1,925

↑ $700

3 Bed

From$1,495

To$2,480

↑ $985

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$1,773

Difference

Home Values

Detroit

Chicago

$86K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$48K - $415K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 257% more expensive than Detroit

Calculate payment - Detroit Calculate payment - Chicago

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

$87.50

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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

Chicago

55 Moderate

Air Quality

54 Moderate

32.8%

Good Air Days

35.8%

99 High

Climate Risk

100 Very High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🫨

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.2°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

18 days

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.2°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

18 days

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

Where your money goes further

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

Similar cost to Chicago, IL

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

Detroit, MI

Chicago, IL

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Chicago, IL

Detroit, MI

Chicago, IL

Detroit, MI

Chicago, IL

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code26 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code46 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP25 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP46 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Detroit, MI

Chicago, IL

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Chicago, IL