Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Detroit is 74% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,034/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 120%
$39,575/yr ↓ 72%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 254%
$76,800 ↓ 91%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 1026%
$868/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 178%
636,644
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,241/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $14,892/year.

Median household income is $100,585/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Arlington — common questions

Is Detroit or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Arlington?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,241/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Arlington?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $100,585/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Virginia?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

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