MoveNumbers

Detroit, MI

Tap to swap

San Jose, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $9.6K/month more in San Jose, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $265.6K in San Jose, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 128.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$9,631
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$115.6K
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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K
Cost Index:228
Median Home:$1.35M

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs San Jose, CA

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 520.0%
Detroit, MI
$1,559
San Jose, CA
$9,667
Difference
$8,108
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 18.9%
Detroit, MI
$949
San Jose, CA
$1,129
Difference
$180
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†“ 10.4%
Detroit, MI
$1,571
San Jose, CA
$1,407
Difference
$164
less
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 9.0%
Detroit, MI
$1,674
San Jose, CA
$1,825
Difference
$151
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 25.3%
Detroit, MI
$564
San Jose, CA
$706
Difference
$143
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 16.7%
Detroit, MI
$557
San Jose, CA
$464
Difference
$92.89
less

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

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

San Jose, CA has no local income tax.

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

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$875
To$2,590
โ†‘ $1,715
1 Bed
From$975
To$2,950
โ†‘ $1,975
2 Bed
From$1,225
To$3,445
โ†‘ $2,220
3 Bed
From$1,495
To$4,550
โ†‘ $3,055
Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830โ€“$1,690/mo

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190โ€“$4,060/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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
$15,199
Monthly in San Jose, CA
$8,324
Difference

Home Values

Detroit
San Jose
$86K
Median Value
$1.35M
โ†“ -3.3%
YoY Change
โ†“ -2.5%
โ†‘ +15.3%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +35.5%
$48K - $415K
Price Range
$671K - $2.59M

Homes in San Jose are 1479% more expensive than Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†“ $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

San Jose, 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%

San Jose, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%
Property Tax:0.8%

๐Ÿ’ก 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
San Jose
55 Moderate
Air Quality
47 Good
32.8%
Good Air Days
55.4%
99 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒ…๐ŸŒก
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.0ยฐF
10 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
11 days
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.0ยฐF
10 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
11 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Michigan and California on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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

Similar cost to San Jose, CA

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison