Detroit vs Chicago: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, Detroit comes in at $66,700 — 78% lower than Chicago, where the median is $304,500.
Households earn a median $37,761 in Detroit, compared with $71,673 in Chicago.
Monthly rent typically costs $989 in Detroit and $1,314 in Chicago.
Detroit carries FEMA's Relatively High hazard rating, compared with Very High for Chicago.
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,787 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $66,700 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $37,761 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $989 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Detroit, MI beats Chicago, IL on both housing metrics we track — home value and rent — though this doesn't capture the full cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.