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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Detroit is 40% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,034/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 30%
$39,575/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 71%
$76,800 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 205%
$868/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 55%
636,644
Population
137,334

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $28,183/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Hampton — common questions

Is Detroit or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Hampton?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Hampton?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $28,183/year higher in Hampton.
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 Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Detroit details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

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