Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 49.2% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $3692 per month.

What salary do I need in Detroit, MI to live like I do in Los Angeles, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $105,701.096 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and Detroit, MI?

Housing in Detroit, MI is 79.9% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Angeles, CA to Detroit, MI?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $3692 per month, or $44299 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Los Angeles, CA

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Detroit, MI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.7K/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $105.7K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 49.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,692

Savings

Annual Impact

$44.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:51

Median Home:$86K

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

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Los Angeles, CA vs Detroit, MI

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $6,190less	79.9%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $587less	27.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$949/mo	↓ $90.93less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,674/mo	↓ $56.92less	3.3%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$564/mo	↑ $9.91more	1.8%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$557/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 79.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$6,190

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$587

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$90.93

less

📦Other

↓ 3.3%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$56.92

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$9.91

⚡All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

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$1,910

To$875

↓ $1,035

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$975

↓ $1,160

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,225

↓ $1,435

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$1,495

↓ $1,875

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$6,915

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Detroit

$885K

Median Value

$86K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 90% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles Calculate payment - Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$354

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.8%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.