Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Detroit is 7% cheaper than Evansville.

$1,034/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 8%
$39,575/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↑ 32%
$76,800 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$129,100 ↑ 68%
$868/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↑ 6%
636,644
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $12,676/year higher in Evansville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Evansville — common questions

Is Detroit or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 57 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Evansville?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Evansville?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $12,676/year higher in Evansville.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Indiana?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Detroit and Evansville

Detroit vs. Portland Detroit vs. Memphis Detroit vs. Las Vegas Detroit vs. Louisville Detroit vs. Boston Detroit vs. Baltimore Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow