Cost of living in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County, MI
Part of the Detroit Metro Area
Population 1,773,767 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Detroit
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Detroit
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Detroit
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Detroit
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Detroit
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Detroit
State and local tax rates for Michigan.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Detroit
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Detroit
What it costs to live in Detroit each month.
- Rent $1,090
- Energy $191
- Water $50
- Groceries $326
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $489
- State tax $142
- Rent $1,378
- Energy $229
- Water $60
- Groceries $540
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $644
- State tax $211
- Rent $1,688
- Energy $286
- Water $70
- Groceries $820
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $644
- State tax $211
Frequently asked questions about Detroit
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Detroit?
In Detroit, Michigan, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,090 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,378 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,688 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Detroit?
In Detroit, Michigan, the average household income is $59,521 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,979 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Detroit?
The estimated cost of living in Detroit, Michigan is approximately $3,088 per month for a single person, $4,346 for a couple, $6,789 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Detroit?
The combined sales tax rate in Detroit, Michigan is 6.00%, which includes the Michigan state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Detroit an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Detroit, Michigan would need approximately $3,088 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $59,521 per year ($4,960 per month). Detroit has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Detroit?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Detroit, Michigan is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Detroit?
The average home value in Detroit, Michigan is $170,200, with average annual property taxes of $2,794, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Detroit compare to other areas?
You can compare Detroit, Michigan with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Detroit is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area.
Other counties in Michigan
Browse the full list of counties in Michigan, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in MichiganCompare Detroit with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP