Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Glendale, AZ (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Detroit is 48% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,034/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 35%
$39,575/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↑ 77%
$76,800 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$347,000 ↑ 352%
$868/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↑ 56%
636,644
Population
250,193

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $30,564/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Glendale — common questions

Is Detroit or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Glendale?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Glendale?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $30,564/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Arizona?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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