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Detroit, MI

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Los Angeles, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $7.3K/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $237.2K in Los Angeles, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area
Overall Cost
96.9%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$7,270
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$87.2K
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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K
Cost Index:197
Median Home:$885K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Mediterranean

Notable Facts

  • Entertainment capital of the world
  • Major Pacific Rim trade center
  • Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Los Angeles, CA

🏠Housing
397.0%
Detroit, MI
$1,559
Los Angeles, CA
$7,749
Difference
$6,190
more
🚗Transportation
37.4%
Detroit, MI
$1,571
Los Angeles, CA
$2,158
Difference
$587
more
🛒Groceries
9.6%
Detroit, MI
$949
Los Angeles, CA
$1,040
Difference
$90.93
more
📦Other
3.4%
Detroit, MI
$1,674
Los Angeles, CA
$1,731
Difference
$56.92
more
🏥Healthcare
1.8%
Detroit, MI
$564
Los Angeles, CA
$554
Difference
$9.91
less
All Utilities
0.0%
Detroit, MI
$557
Los Angeles, CA
$557
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Los Angeles, CA 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$1,910
$1,035
1 Bed
From$975
To$2,135
$1,160
2 Bed
From$1,225
To$2,660
$1,435
3 Bed
From$1,495
To$3,370
$1,875
Detroit, MIZIP-level data

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

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630$3,130/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
$13,790
Monthly in Los Angeles, CA
$6,915
Difference

Home Values

Detroit
Los Angeles
$86K
Median Value
$885K
↓ -3.3%
YoY Change
↓ -3.4%
↑ +15.3%
5-Year Change
↑ +13.1%
$48K - $415K
Price Range
$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 936% more expensive than Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$4.3K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$354
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.8%
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

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
California State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,530/month
$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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
Los Angeles
55 Moderate
Air Quality
80 Moderate
32.8%
Good Air Days
10.4%
99 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌅
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.6°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
17 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.6°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
17 days

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Los Angeles, CA

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