Detroit vs New York: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Detroit's median home value is $66,700 — 91% lower than New York's $732,100.
Typical households bring in $37,761 a year in Detroit, versus $76,607 in New York.
Detroit's median rent sits at $989, against $1,714 in New York.
FEMA rates both cities' overall hazard risk as "Relatively High."
| Metric | Detroit, MI | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,787 | 8,622,467 |
| Median home value | $66,700 | $732,100 |
| Median household income | $37,761 | $76,607 |
| Median gross rent | $989 | $1,714 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
Detroit, MI comes out ahead on housing affordability versus New York, NY, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.