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Detroit, MI

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.5K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area
Overall Cost
15.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,125
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.5K
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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K
Cost Index:115
Median Home:$241K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Birthplace of America
  • Cheesesteak city
  • Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Philadelphia, PA

🏠Housing
48.3%
Detroit, MI
$1,559
Philadelphia, PA
$2,313
Difference
$754
more
🛒Groceries
16.3%
Detroit, MI
$949
Philadelphia, PA
$1,104
Difference
$155
more
🚗Transportation
9.6%
Detroit, MI
$1,571
Philadelphia, PA
$1,421
Difference
$150
less
📦Other
6.0%
Detroit, MI
$1,674
Philadelphia, PA
$1,774
Difference
$100
more
All Utilities
8.8%
Detroit, MI
$557
Philadelphia, PA
$607
Difference
$49.18
more
🏥Healthcare
7.7%
Detroit, MI
$564
Philadelphia, PA
$607
Difference
$43.37
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)
Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)
Net difference+$2,025/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$875
To$1,280
$405
1 Bed
From$975
To$1,390
$415
2 Bed
From$1,225
To$1,660
$435
3 Bed
From$1,495
To$1,990
$495
Detroit, MIZIP-level data

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

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080$2,280/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
$7,826
Monthly in Philadelphia, PA
$951
Difference

Home Values

Detroit
Philadelphia
$86K
Median Value
$241K
↓ -3.3%
YoY Change
↑ +2.8%
↑ +15.3%
5-Year Change
↑ +9%
$48K - $415K
Price Range
$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 182% more expensive than Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.8K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$148
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.2%
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

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Pennsylvania State Tax
Effective: 3.1%
$4.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.7%
$41.6K
Take-Home Pay
$9,032/month
$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%
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.

Environment

Detroit
Philadelphia
55 Moderate
Air Quality
52 Moderate
32.8%
Good Air Days
47.3%
99 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
22 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
22 days

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Philadelphia, PA

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