Is Denver, CO cheaper than Detroit, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 25.0% more expensive than Detroit, MI. This translates to spending an extra $1875 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Detroit, MI, you'd need approximately $172,500 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denver, CO is 108.3% more expensive than in Detroit, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,225/month in Detroit, MI.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1875 more per month than Detroit, MI, or $22500 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Detroit, MI

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Denver, CO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Detroit, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.9K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.5K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 25.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,875

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$22.5K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:125

Median Home:$513K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Denver, CO

Category	Detroit, MI	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,559/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,689more	108.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,462/mo	↓ $109less	7.0%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $100more	6.0%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $79.94more	8.4%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$632/mo	↑ $68.15more	12.1%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 108.3%

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,689

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.0%

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$109

less

📦Other

↑ 6.0%

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$100

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.4%

Detroit, MI

$949

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$79.94

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.1%

Detroit, MI

$564

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$68.15

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Detroit, MI

$557

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$38.25

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

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

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$875

To$1,720

↑ $845

1 Bed

From$975

To$1,840

↑ $865

2 Bed

From$1,225

To$2,190

↑ $965

3 Bed

From$1,495

To$2,870

↑ $1,375

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,790

Difference

Home Values

Detroit

Denver

$86K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$48K - $415K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 500% more expensive than Detroit

Calculate payment - Detroit Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $225

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$18.75

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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

Denver

55 Moderate

Air Quality

55 Moderate

32.8%

Good Air Days

35.2%

99 High

Climate Risk

95 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌪💨

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

28 days

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

28 days

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

Where your money goes further

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

Similar cost to Denver, CO

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

Detroit, MI

Denver, CO

You'd spend $1.9K/month more in Denver, CO

Detroit, MI

Denver, CO

Detroit, MI

Denver, CO

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code26 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code23 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP25 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP22 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Detroit, MI

Denver, CO

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Denver, CO