What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI?

In Detroit, the median home value is $66,700 and median rent is $989 per month, against a median household income of $37,761. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Detroit?

A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $989/month, that implies an income of about $39,560 to keep housing affordable in Detroit.

Is it better to rent or buy in Detroit?

With a median home value of $66,700 and median rent of $989/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Detroit depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Detroit, MI Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Detroit, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

636,787

Population

$37,761

Median household income

-48% vs tracked median

$66,700

Median home value

-80% vs tracked median

$989/mo

Median rent

-29% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

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Detroit, Michigan is home to roughly 636,787 residents. The typical household earns $37,761 per year — below the median across cities we track (-48%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $66,700 (below the multi-city median at -80%), while renters pay a median of $989 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in Detroit

Median home value is $66,700 and median gross rent is $989/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for Detroit.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

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Moving to Detroit

Planning a move to Detroit? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI?: In Detroit, the median home value is $66,700 and median rent is $989 per month, against a median household income of $37,761. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Detroit?: A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $989/month, that implies an income of about $39,560 to keep housing affordable in Detroit.
Is it better to rent or buy in Detroit?: With a median home value of $66,700 and median rent of $989/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in Detroit depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.