Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Detroit, MI (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Detroit

Michigan
53

Chicago is 89% more expensive than Detroit.

$1,380/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,034/mo ↓ 25%
$75,134/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$39,575/yr ↓ 47%
$315,200 ↑ 310%
Home Value
$76,800 ↓ 76%
$1,502/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$868/mo ↓ 42%
2,707,648
Population
636,644

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 53 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $346/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $4,152/year.

Median household income is $35,559/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $76,800 in Detroit.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Detroit — common questions

Is Chicago or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Detroit?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Detroit it's $1,034/month — a difference of $346/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Detroit?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $39,575 in Detroit. Median household income is $35,559/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Detroit?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Detroit has a cost index of 53 with rent of $1,034/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Detroit details →

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